Be Peaceable Followers of Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by asking class members to share what they understand by the term "peaceable followers of Christ".
- Start by discussing some of the unique challenges that followers of Christ face in today's world.
- Open the discussion by asking class members to share personal experiences of trials and adversities they have faced as followers of Christ.
Topics
Understanding Trials and Adversities
Elder Cook discusses the trials and adversities that followers of Christ face. He emphasizes that trials are part of the mortal journey and can happen to anyone, including good people. He also reassures that our heavenly destiny is not altered when we suffer adversity.
Whenever trials occur, we mourn and strive to bear one another’s burdens. We lament things that will not be accomplished and songs that will not be sung. Bad things happen to good people on this mortal journey.
- How do you personally deal with trials and adversities?
- How can we support each other during times of trial?
- How can trials help us grow and progress?
- What lessons have you learned from your trials?
- How can we maintain our faith during difficult times?
Being Peaceable Followers of Christ
Elder Cook emphasizes the importance of being peaceable followers of Christ. He encourages us to follow Christ's teachings, be warm, engaged members of our communities, and choose the role of a peacemaker.
As peaceable followers of Christ, we strive to live His commandments. It has never been easy for His followers. Nor was it easy for the Savior to faithfully fulfill His mortal mission.
- What does it mean to you to be a "peaceable follower of Christ"?
- How can we become better peaceable followers of Christ?
- What challenges do we face in being peaceable followers of Christ?
- How can we be peacemakers in our communities?
- How can we follow Christ's teachings in our daily lives?
Facing Tribulation with Faith
Elder Cook discusses how we can face tribulation with faith and confidence. He reassures us that we have a Father in Heaven who knows and loves us personally and understands our suffering perfectly.
We do not know all the answers; however, we do know important principles that allow us to face trials, tribulation, and adversities with faith and confidence in a bright future that awaits each of us.
- How has your faith helped you face tribulation?
- How can we strengthen our faith during times of tribulation?
- How can we help others face tribulation with faith?
- How does knowing that God understands our suffering help us during times of tribulation?
- What principles help you face trials, tribulations, and adversities with faith?
Understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Elder Cook emphasizes the significance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He explains that because of His Atonement, Jesus Christ knows how to succor us according to our infirmities. He invites us to come unto Him, and as we do, He gives us rest, hope, strength, perspective, and healing.
As we rely on Jesus Christ and His Atonement, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
- What does the Atonement of Jesus Christ mean to you?
- How has the Atonement helped you endure your trials?
- How can we better rely on Jesus Christ and His Atonement?
- How has the Atonement brought you joy, peace, and consolation?
- How has your understanding of the Atonement evolved over time?
Preparing for the Future with Guidance from Scriptures and Prophets
Elder Cook discusses the importance of preparing for the future with guidance from scriptures and prophets. He emphasizes the need to heed the words of the prophets and prepare for what is to come.
A loving Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the head of His restored Church, have provided us scriptures and prophets to prepare us, warn us about dangers, and give us guidance to prepare and protect us.
- How have the scriptures and prophets helped you prepare for the future?
- How can we better heed the words of the prophets?
- How has the guidance of the scriptures and prophets helped you in your life?
- How can we use the scriptures and words of the prophets to prepare for future trials?
- How can we help others heed the words of the prophets and prepare for the future?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we better support each other during times of trial?
- How can we keep our faith strong during difficult times?
- How can we be better peacemakers in our communities?
- How can we help others understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
- How can we better prepare for future trials?
- How has being a peaceable follower of Christ impacted your life?
- What are some ways we can show love and share Christ's teachings with others?
- How can we strengthen our faith during times of tribulation?
- How has the Atonement of Jesus Christ brought you peace and consolation?
- How can we better follow the guidance of the scriptures and prophets?
