“Ye Are My Friends”
David L. Buckner, of the Seventy
Elder Buckner testifies that Jesus Christ unites us as friends, fostering unity and belonging.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin with a short video clip or image of diverse groups coming together, such as a community event or interfaith gathering, to illustrate the power of unity.
- Share a personal story or testimony about a time when you felt a strong sense of belonging and friendship in the Church.
- Start with a hymn or song that emphasizes unity and friendship, such as "As I Have Loved You," and discuss its message.
- Ask class members to share a one-word response to what "friendship" means to them and write these words on the board to create a word cloud.
- Use a short role-play or skit that depicts a scenario of division and then another of unity, and ask participants to reflect on the differences.
Topics
Recognize Jesus Christ as the Great Unifier
Elder Buckner emphasized that in a world full of division, Jesus Christ serves as a divine example of unity, love, and belonging. He is the great unifier who calls us His friends and invites us to build higher and holier relationships.
I testify that He is the great unifier.
- How can we emulate Jesus Christ's example of unity in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to you to be called a friend by Jesus Christ?
- How can recognizing Jesus as the great unifier help us in times of division?
- In what ways can we contribute to unity within our own communities?
- How can we ensure our relationships are "higher and holier" as Elder Buckner describes?
Embrace the Call to "Be One"
Elder Buckner shared experiences demonstrating the power of unity among diverse groups, highlighting that the Savior's call to "be one" transcends differences. This unity is essential for overcoming division and fostering belonging.
There is always much more that unites us than divides us.
- What are some barriers to unity that we face today, and how can we overcome them?
- How can we apply the principle of "being one" in our families and communities?
- What experiences have you had where unity made a significant difference?
- How does the adversary try to divide us, and how can we counteract those efforts?
- What role does prayer play in fostering unity among diverse groups?
Cultivate a Sense of Belonging
Elder Buckner illustrated the importance of creating a welcoming environment, emphasizing that true belonging involves being one with Christ. He encouraged building relationships that reflect the Savior's love and inclusivity.
The essence of truly belonging is to be one with Christ.
- How can we create a more welcoming environment in our church meetings?
- What does it mean to truly belong in the context of the gospel?
- How can we extend the Savior's invitation of belonging to those who may feel marginalized?
- What are some practical ways we can show others that they are welcome and invited?
- How does belonging to Christ influence our sense of identity and purpose?
Live the Gospel Beyond Sundays
Elder Buckner called for living the gospel in all aspects of life, not just on Sundays. He highlighted the need for our actions to reflect the Savior's teachings every day, fostering unity and belonging in our communities.
We must live our life so that the world does not see us but sees Him through us.
- How can we ensure our daily actions reflect our commitment to the gospel?
- What are some ways we can demonstrate Christlike love in our everyday interactions?
- How can living the gospel outside of church meetings strengthen our faith and influence?
- What challenges do you face in living the gospel daily, and how do you overcome them?
- How can we be a light to others in our communities through our actions?
Invite All to Come Unto Christ
Elder Buckner extended an invitation to all to come unto Christ, emphasizing that the gospel is a place of hope and belonging. He reassured those who may feel distant that they are needed and belong in the Church.
The gospel net is the largest net in the world. God has invited all to come unto Him.
- How can we extend Christ's invitation to those who may feel estranged from the Church?
- What can we do to help others feel they belong in the gospel of Jesus Christ?
- How does the promise of belonging in the gospel bring hope to you personally?
- What experiences have you had in inviting others to come unto Christ?
- How can we support those who are returning to the Church after being away?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What role does friendship play in our spiritual journey?
- How can we deepen our friendship with Jesus Christ?
- What are some practical steps we can take to foster unity in our church community?
- How does understanding our divine identity as friends of Christ influence our interactions with others?
- What can we learn from the diversity among Christ's original apostles?
- How can we apply the principle of 'being one' in our professional lives?
- In what ways can we be more inclusive in our church activities?
- How can we better support those who feel isolated or alone in our congregations?
- What are some ways we can demonstrate the Savior's love in our families?
- How can the principles from this talk help us navigate contentious or divisive situations?
