Study Guide for "Followers of the Prince of Peace"

In "Followers of the Prince of Peace", Elder Ulisses Soares shares a powerful message about the peace offered through Jesus Christ and our role as His disciples. He invites us to develop attributes like the Savior's, to promote His peace, and to live in unity and love towards one another. Elder Soares emphasizes the importance of charity, not just in giving, but as an attribute of the Savior that we should strive to make part of our character. He also discusses the negative effects of contention and judgment, and the importance of forgiveness and tolerance.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does it mean to be a follower of the Prince of Peace?
How can we develop attributes like the Savior's?
What role does charity play in our discipleship?
What are the dangers of contention and judgment?
How can we promote peace in our own lives and in the world?

Topics

Understanding the Peace of the Savior

Elder Soares discusses the peace offered through Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice. This peace, promised to all who turn their hearts to the Savior and live righteously, gives strength to enjoy mortal life and endure trials.

As His followers, we are His peculiar people, called to proclaim His virtues, promoters of the peace so generously offered through Him and His atoning sacrifice.

This peace is a gift promised to all who turn their hearts to the Savior and live righteously; such peace gives us the strength to enjoy mortal life and enables us to endure the painful trials of our journey.

What is the peace of the Savior?
How can we obtain this peace?
How have you personally experienced the peace of the Savior?
What can you do to better seek this peace in your life?

Developing Charity in Our Character

Elder Soares emphasizes the importance of charity, describing it as an attribute of the Savior that we should strive to make part of our character. He explains that charity is not just about giving, but also about how we treat others.

When we think of charity, our minds usually turn to generous acts and donations to relieve the suffering of those who are experiencing physical, material, or emotional difficulties. Still, charity is not only related to something we donate to someone, but it’s an attribute of the Savior and can become part of our character.

Without charity, we are nothing and we cannot inherit the place the Lord has prepared for us in the mansions of our Heavenly Father.

What is charity according to Elder Soares?
Why is charity important in our discipleship?
How can you develop charity in your character?
What opportunities do you have to show charity in your life?

Avoiding Contention and Judgment

Elder Soares warns about the negative effects of contention and judgment. He explains that such behaviors can destroy relationships and lead us to fall into the adversary's traps. He encourages us to resist the urge to offend or take offense.

Our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, recently stated, "Contention violates everything the Savior stood for and taught."

If we are not careful with our thoughts, words, and actions, we may end up being entangled by the cunning tricks of the enemy, destroying our relationships with the people around us and our loved ones.

Why is it important to avoid contention and judgment?
How can contention and judgment harm our relationships?
How can you better avoid contention and judgment in your life?
What steps can you take to mend relationships affected by contention and judgment?

Promoting Peace through Love and Unity

Elder Soares invites us to promote peace by treating each other with love, patience, and kindness. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and forgiveness, and of seeking after things that are virtuous, lovely, and praiseworthy.

As disciples of the Prince of Peace, we have been instructed to live with "hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another."

I invite you to consider ways we can transform ourselves into uplifting and supportive people, people who have an understanding and forgiving heart, people who look for the best in others, always remembering that "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

What does it mean to promote peace through love and unity?
How can we develop understanding and forgiving hearts?
What can you do to promote peace in your own life and in the world?
How can you better seek after things that are virtuous, lovely, and praiseworthy?

Resisting the Adversary's Tactics

Elder Soares warns about the adversary's tactics to stir up enmity and hate, leading to criticism, ridicule, and slander. He emphasizes the importance of resisting these tactics and not allowing them to destroy feelings, relationships, and lives.

Considering this prophetic teaching, it is not surprising that one of the adversary’s tactics is to stir up enmity and hate in the hearts of God’s children. He rejoices when he sees people criticizing, ridiculing, and slandering one another.

We cannot afford to allow these tricks of the evil one to take place in our hearts. We cannot carry such a corrosive burden that destroys feelings, relationships, and even lives.

What are some of the adversary's tactics?
Why is it important to resist these tactics?
How can you better resist the adversary's tactics in your life?
What can you do to help others resist these tactics?