Lesson Prepration Guide for "God’s Favourite"

In his heartfelt address, Elder Karl D. Hirst shares profound insights into the nature of divine love and our individual worth in the eyes of God. Drawing parallels between his love for his children and Heavenly Father's love for us, Elder Hirst explores how each of us can feel like God's "favourite" through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the unchanging and encompassing nature of God's love, encouraging us to seek and share that love even amidst life's challenges.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin by sharing a personal experience where you felt God's love in a profound way. Encourage class members to think about similar moments in their lives.
Play a hymn or song that speaks about God's love, such as "I Am a Child of God," and ask the class to ponder the lyrics and how they relate to Elder Hirst's message.
Start with a brief discussion on what it means to be a "favourite" in a family or group, and how that concept applies to God's love for each of us.
Ask the class to write down one way they have felt God's love this week, and then invite a few members to share their experiences.
Show a picture of a mountain and discuss its symbolism in relation to God's unchanging love, as mentioned in the talk.

Topics

Embrace God's Unconditional Love

Elder Hirst emphasized that God's love is pure, complete, and unconditional. He likened it to the love he feels for his children, stating that we are all God's cherished favorites. This divine love transcends our imperfections and unites us despite our differences.

Divine love never runs dry, and we are each a cherished favourite.

How have you personally experienced God's love in your life?
Why do you think it's important to understand that we are all God's favourites?
In what ways can recognizing God's unconditional love change our relationships with others?
How can we help others feel God's love, especially those who feel distant from it?
What are some barriers that might prevent us from feeling God's love, and how can we overcome them?

Recognize the Power of Christlike Love

Elder Hirst discussed the importance of showing Christlike love to others, which he described as love that contains divinity. This love not only strengthens our relationships but also invites heavenly involvement in our lives.

When we love one another in this way, as completely and fully as we can, heaven gets involved too.

What does Christlike love look like in everyday interactions?
How can we cultivate more Christlike love in our families and communities?
What are some examples of Christlike love you have witnessed or experienced?
Why is it significant that Christlike love involves divinity?
How can showing Christlike love help us feel closer to God?

Overcome Feelings of Unworthiness

Elder Hirst addressed the feelings of unworthiness and self-condemnation that many experience. He reassured that no one is beyond the reach of God's love, and that self-loathing is not part of God's plan for us.

However misshapen we might feel we are, His arms are not shortened.

What are some common reasons people might feel unworthy of God's love?
How can we combat feelings of self-condemnation and embrace God's love?
Why is it important to remember that God's love is always within reach?
How can we support others who struggle with feelings of unworthiness?
In what ways can understanding God's love help us overcome personal challenges?

Explore Diverse Ways to Feel God's Love

Elder Hirst encouraged experimenting with different ways to feel God's love, such as through nature, music, or service. These experiences can help us connect with the divine, especially during challenging times.

Perhaps you could invite those you trust to share their sources of divine connection with you as you search for relief and understanding.

What are some unique ways you have felt God's love in your life?
How can nature or music help us connect with God's love?
Why is it important to explore different avenues to feel God's love?
How can we incorporate these practices into our daily lives to strengthen our connection with God?
What role does community play in helping us feel God's love?

Rejoice in the Joy of the Gospel

Elder Hirst reminded us that joy is our purpose and is available to all, regardless of circumstances. Being filled with God's love enhances both our happy moments and shields us in life's storms.

Joy is our purpose, not the gift of our circumstances.

How does understanding that joy is our purpose impact your daily life?
In what ways can being filled with God's love bring joy to our lives?
How can we find joy even in challenging circumstances?
Why is it important to share the joy of the gospel with others?
What are some ways we can cultivate a joyful spirit in our homes and communities?

Additional Discussion Questions

What does it mean to you to be a 'favourite' of God?
How can we better recognize and appreciate God's love in our lives?
In what ways can we help others feel like God's favourites?
How does the concept of divine love influence our understanding of self-worth?
What role does gratitude play in feeling God's love?
How can we ensure that our expressions of love carry the divinity Elder Hirst described?
What are some practical ways to 'splash' God's love everywhere we go?
How can we use our personal experiences of God's love to strengthen our testimony?
What steps can we take to become more 'rooted and grounded' in Jesus and His love?
How can the symbolism of mountains help us remember the constancy of God's love?