Lesson Prepration Guide for "Joy Through Covenant Discipleship"

In his inspiring talk, "Joy Through Covenant Discipleship," Elder John A. McCune of the Seventy shares personal stories and profound insights on the transformative power of becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ through making and keeping sacred covenants. He emphasizes the joy and spiritual power that come from aligning ourselves with the Savior and participating in His work. Elder McCune illustrates how covenant discipleship helps us develop an eternal perspective and experience a fullness of joy, even amidst life's challenges.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin by sharing the story of Uyanga Altansukh from Mongolia, highlighting her journey to finding joy through the gospel and covenants. Ask the class how they have seen similar journeys in their own lives or in the lives of others.
Display a picture of a temple and ask the class to reflect on the joy they feel when they see or visit a temple. Invite them to share their feelings and experiences related to temple covenants.
Start with a short video clip or quote from President Russell M. Nelson about joy and discipleship, and ask the class to think about how these concepts are connected in their lives.
Invite a class member to share a personal experience of finding joy through keeping a specific covenant, then open the floor for others to share.
Present a list of Christlike attributes and ask the class to choose one they would like to develop more fully. Discuss how these attributes can lead to greater joy in discipleship.

Topics

Discover Joy Through Covenant Discipleship

Elder McCune shared the story of Uyanga Altansukh, who found joy and light through covenant discipleship in the Church. Her journey highlights the transformative power of making and keeping covenants and becoming a disciple of Christ.

Uyanga, like millions of others, is part of the great gathering of Israel in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. She has begun her journey along the covenant path and has become a disciple of Christ.

What does it mean to you to be a disciple of Christ?
How have you seen the light of Christ in others, similar to Uyanga's experience?
What role do covenants play in your personal journey of discipleship?
How can we help others begin their journey on the covenant path?
What changes have you noticed in your life as you have kept your covenants?

Understand the Perfect Love of God

Elder McCune described God's perfect love, which transcends any human understanding of love. He emphasized that Jesus Christ's mission is a testament to God's perfect love for His children.

We have a Heavenly Father, who loves us as His children. His love for us is perfect.

How does understanding God's perfect love change your perspective on trials?
In what ways has God's love been evident in your life?
How can we better align our love with God's perfect love?
What are some ways we can help others feel God's love?
How does Jesus Christ's mission illustrate God's love for us?

Recognize the Power of Covenants

Elder McCune explained that making and keeping sacred covenants connects us to God and Jesus Christ in a special relationship, providing spiritual power and joy.

As disciples, when we make and keep sacred covenants, we are blessed with spiritual power.

What spiritual power have you felt from keeping covenants?
How do covenants help us to better understand our relationship with God?
Why is it important to keep our covenants in today's world?
How can we teach others about the importance of covenants?
What role do covenants play in your daily life?

Experience Joy Through Christlike Discipleship

Elder McCune shared personal experiences and teachings from President Nelson, illustrating that true joy comes from being bound to the Savior and keeping covenants, even during difficult times.

Joy and eternal perspective come through being bound to the Savior by making and keeping covenants and through Christlike discipleship.

How can we find joy even during difficult times?
What experiences have strengthened your testimony of finding joy through Christ?
How can we help others find joy in discipleship?
What does it mean to you to have an eternal perspective?
How has President Nelson's example of joy impacted you?

Participate in the Gathering of Israel

Elder McCune encouraged members to participate in the gathering of Israel by helping others come unto Christ, highlighting the joy that comes from this sacred work.

We can be part of the greatest cause on the earth today—the gathering of Israel. We can help to bring God’s children to Christ.

What does it mean to you to be part of the gathering of Israel?
How can we actively participate in the gathering of Israel?
What blessings have you seen from helping others come unto Christ?
How does participating in this work bring joy?
What are some small ways we can contribute to the gathering of Israel in our daily lives?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we better understand the nature of God through covenant discipleship?
What does it mean to have a full measure of God's love?
How can the attributes of justice and mercy help us trust God more fully?
In what ways can we continue in God's love according to John 15?
How can we help others feel the joy that comes from covenant relationships?
What is the connection between keeping commandments and experiencing joy?
How does God's perfect perspective help us understand His joy despite suffering?
What role does faith play in experiencing joy through covenants?
How can we apply Elder McCune's teachings to our family relationships?
What steps can we take to strengthen our covenant relationship with God?