Lesson Prepration Guide for "God Loves All His Children"

In this inspiring talk, Elder Gregorio E. Casillas of the Seventy shares profound insights on the love of our Heavenly Father and the Savior, Jesus Christ, for each of His children. He emphasizes the divine potential within each of us and the importance of being disciples of Christ in these latter days. Through personal anecdotes and teachings from leaders of the Church, Elder Casillas invites us to recognize our role in ministering to others and the blessings that come from following the Spirit. He reminds us of the Savior's understanding of our unique challenges and His power to bless our lives as we strive to help others stay on the covenant path.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin with a personal story or experience where you felt God's love or guidance in your life. Invite others to share similar experiences.
Start the lesson by reading the story Elder Casillas shared about visiting the sister who had undergone chemotherapy. Ask the class how they have seen similar acts of service in their lives.
Play a short video or share a quote from President Russell M. Nelson about being disciples of Jesus Christ to set the tone for the lesson.
Ask the class to ponder silently on a time when they felt impressed to serve someone unexpectedly and how that impacted them.
Invite a class member to share their thoughts on what it means to be part of the "finest team" reserved for the latter days.

Topics

Recognize Our Divine Potential

Elder Casillas emphasized that one of the greatest reasons for our existence is to realize our divine potential. He encouraged us to avoid comparing ourselves to others and to focus on developing our unique spiritual abilities.

Your spiritual abilities are unique, personal, and innate, and your Heavenly Father wants to help you develop them.

How can we better recognize our divine potential in our daily lives?
What are some ways to avoid comparing ourselves to others?
How can understanding our divine potential change the way we approach challenges?
What role does prayer play in discovering our divine potential?
Can you share an experience where you felt you reached a part of your divine potential?

Follow the Good Shepherd

Elder Casillas taught that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who knows His flock intimately and calls each of us by name. He uses us as instruments to help bring His children to Him.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and He knows His flock, and the flock knows its Shepherd because "he calleth his own sheep by name."

What does it mean to you to be known by the Good Shepherd?
How can we better hear the voice of the Good Shepherd in our lives?
In what ways can we become instruments in the Lord's hands?
How does knowing that Christ knows us personally influence our relationship with Him?
Can you share a time when you felt the Lord used you to help someone else?

Minister to Others with Love and Compassion

The talk highlighted the importance of ministering to others with love and compassion, as demonstrated in Elder Casillas" experience visiting a sister in need. He reminded us that even silent presence can be a powerful form of ministry.

If we can help lighten their burdens, even if only for a moment, then we will be able to see the great manifestations of the Savior’s power in their lives.

What are some small ways we can minister to others daily?
Why is it important to sometimes minister in silence?
How can we be more aware of those who need our help?
What experiences have you had where you felt ministered to by others?
How does ministering to others strengthen our own testimonies?

Stay on the Covenant Path

Elder Casillas urged us to help others stay on the covenant path by supporting them in making and keeping sacred promises. He reminded us that the Savior always offers forgiveness and a chance to return.

Even if our course is not the most perfect, the Savior always reminds us, "As oft as [we repent] and [seek] forgiveness, with real intent, [we will be] forgiven."

How can we support others in staying on the covenant path?
What role does repentance play in our daily lives?
How can we remind ourselves of the Savior's willingness to forgive?
What are some obstacles that might cause us to deviate from the covenant path?
Can you share a time when you felt the Savior's forgiveness in your life?

Embrace the Restored Gospel

The talk emphasized the blessings of the restored gospel and the ordinances that bind us to Heavenly Father. Elder Casillas testified of the Restoration and the role of priesthood keys in receiving the richest blessings.

The Lord has restored His gospel with the necessary ordinances so that Heavenly Father’s children can have all the promises that bind us to Him.

What blessings have you seen in your life from the restored gospel?
How do the ordinances of the gospel strengthen our relationship with Heavenly Father?
Why is the Restoration significant in our daily lives?
How can we help others understand the importance of the restored gospel?
What role do priesthood keys play in our spiritual growth?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we better prepare ourselves to be part of the 'finest team' in these latter days?
What are some ways we can help others feel the love of Heavenly Father?
How does understanding that Jesus Christ knows us personally affect our daily decisions?
In what ways can we see the manifestations of the Savior's power in our lives?
How can we be good neighbors and Christians in our communities?
What does it mean to you to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
How can the adversary's tactics of discouragement be overcome through faith and action?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in revitalizing our testimonies?
How can we find balance in fulfilling our callings and personal responsibilities?
What steps can we take to ensure we are following the impressions of the Spirit?