Lesson Prepration Guide for "“By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples”"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf shares a personal experience of bringing a friend to church and the unexpected lesson he learned about the true essence of the Savior's Church. He emphasizes the importance of love and unity among members as a testament to the world that we are disciples of Jesus Christ. Elder Uchtdorf encourages us to strive for the ideal of Christlike love and unity, even amidst the imperfections of mortal life.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Share a personal experience of bringing a friend to church and discuss the feelings and expectations involved.
Begin with a hymn or song that emphasizes unity and love among believers, then discuss its message.
Show a short video clip or share a story of someone who felt welcomed and loved when visiting a church for the first time.
Ask class members to think about a time they felt truly accepted and loved in a community setting.
Start with a prayer focusing on love and unity, asking for guidance in understanding how to better follow Christ's example.

Topics

Demonstrate Christlike Love in Church Settings

Elder Uchtdorf emphasized that the most important aspect visitors notice in our church is how we treat each other. Demonstrating genuine love and kindness is essential for fostering faith and creating a welcoming environment.

“I’m so impressed with how people treat each other in your church. They all seem to come from different backgrounds, and yet it’s clear that they genuinely love each other.”

How can we ensure that newcomers feel loved and welcomed in our church meetings?
What are some practical ways to show Christlike love to those we meet at church?
Have you ever experienced a time when the love in a church setting strengthened your faith?
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a disciple of Christ through your actions?
How can we overcome judgmental attitudes and focus on love and acceptance?

Bridge the Gap Between the Ideal and the Real

Elder Uchtdorf acknowledged that while we strive for the ideal in our church, we often fall short. He encouraged patience and understanding as we work towards aligning our hearts with the Savior.

“There will always be a gap between the ideal and the real. So, what should we do when the Church doesn’t feel like the perfect day?”

Why is it important to recognize the gap between the ideal and the real in our church experience?
How can we maintain hope and faith when faced with imperfections in ourselves and others?
What role does patience play in our spiritual journey and in our interactions with others?
How can we contribute to creating a more ideal church environment?
In what ways can we support each other as we strive to align our hearts with the Savior?

Embrace Diversity and Unity in Christ

Elder Uchtdorf discussed the importance of unity in diversity within the church. He explained that while we may come from different backgrounds, our shared commitment to Christ unites us.

“The unity we seek is not to have everyone stand in the same place; it is to have everyone face in the same direction—toward Jesus Christ.”

How can we celebrate diversity while fostering unity within our church community?
What does it mean to be "one in Christ" despite our differences?
How can we ensure that everyone feels they belong in our church, regardless of their background?
What are some challenges and blessings of having a diverse church community?
In what ways can we focus more on our common goal of following Christ?

Contribute to the Body of Christ

Elder Uchtdorf highlighted that each member of the church has unique contributions to make. Differences are not a hindrance but a strength that enriches the body of Christ.

“That doesn’t make you a misfit—it makes you a needed part of the body of Christ.”

What unique qualities or talents do you bring to the church community?
How can we encourage others to share their unique gifts and perspectives?
Why is it important to recognize and value the different roles within the body of Christ?
How can we help others feel that their contributions are valued and needed?
What can we learn from those who have different perspectives or experiences than our own?

Sing with One Voice in Purpose

Elder Uchtdorf used the metaphor of a choir to illustrate how individuals can unite in purpose while maintaining their unique contributions. Each member's focus on a shared divine purpose creates harmony.

“Each choir member has the same central goal: to praise God and lift our hearts to Him. And when that happens, they truly become one voice.”

How can we ensure that our individual efforts contribute to the overall harmony of the church?
What does it mean to you to "sing with one voice" in the context of church service?
How can we align our personal goals with the divine purpose of the church?
What are some ways we can support each other in our shared mission?
How can focusing on a shared purpose help us overcome differences and challenges?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we create an environment where everyone feels they belong?
What are some steps we can take to better align our hearts with the Savior?
How can we maintain a spirit of love and kindness even when we disagree?
What does it mean to be patient with ourselves and others in our spiritual journey?
How can we better recognize and appreciate the contributions of all members?
In what ways can we invite others to experience the love of Christ in our meetings?
What role does faith play in bridging the gap between the ideal and the real?
How can we ensure that our actions reflect our commitment to being disciples of Christ?
What are some ways we can support those who feel like they don't fit in?
How can we help others to see the church as a place of refuge and love?