Study Guide for "Charity—a Sign of True Discipleship"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Michael B. Strong of the Seventy explores the profound concept of discipleship in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the essential attribute of charity. He reflects on President Russell M. Nelson's invitation to make discipleship our highest priority and delves into the deliberate journey of becoming like the Savior. Elder Strong highlights charity as the defining sign of true discipleship and illustrates how this Christlike love manifests in compassion, ministering to unspoken needs, and helping others along the covenant path.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does it mean to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ?
Why is charity considered the hallmark of true discipleship?
How does Elder Strong describe the relationship between charity and action?
What examples does Elder Strong provide to illustrate Christlike compassion?
How can we help others along their covenant path according to Elder Strong?

Topics

Embrace Deliberate Discipleship

Elder Strong emphasizes that discipleship is a deliberate and continuous commitment to becoming like Jesus Christ. It involves more than belief; it requires emulating Christ's attributes such as obedience, humility, and patience. True discipleship transforms us into partakers of the divine nature.

Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice. It is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places.

Our adoration of Jesus is best expressed by our emulation of Jesus.

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
How does Elder Strong describe the journey of discipleship?
In what ways can you be more deliberate in your discipleship?
How can you incorporate Christlike attributes into your daily life?

Recognize Charity as the Sign of True Discipleship

Charity, the pure love of Christ, is identified as the defining attribute of true disciples. Elder Strong explains that charity is love in action, as demonstrated by the Savior's life of doing good. This love is the mark by which disciples are recognized.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Charity, like faith, leads to action.

Why is charity considered the hallmark of true discipleship?
How does charity relate to action according to Elder Strong?
How can you demonstrate charity in your interactions with others?
Reflect on a time when you felt or witnessed the power of charity.

Show Compassion as Christ Did

Elder Strong highlights Christ's compassion as a key aspect of charity. Compassion seeks to alleviate suffering, as seen in Christ's healing and comforting acts. Elder Strong shares personal and scriptural examples to illustrate this Christlike compassion.

One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people.

Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.

What role does compassion play in charity?
How did Christ demonstrate compassion during His ministry?
How can you show compassion to someone in need?
Think of a situation where you can be more compassionate. What steps will you take?

Minister to Unspoken Needs

Elder Strong discusses the importance of recognizing and ministering to the unspoken needs of others, as Jesus did. Through personal anecdotes and examples, he shows how true discipleship involves noticing and addressing the silent struggles of those around us.

Their kindness continued for years, and they became surrogate grandparents to our family.

Like the Lord, these disciples had noticed the unspoken need and acted in love.

How did Jesus minister to unspoken needs during His life?
What can we learn from Elder Strong's examples of ministering to unspoken needs?
Who around you might have unspoken needs that you can help with?
How can you develop the ability to recognize and respond to unspoken needs?

Help Others Along the Covenant Path

Elder Strong emphasizes the importance of helping others progress along their covenant path. By sharing examples of service and support, he illustrates how true discipleship involves uplifting and assisting others in their spiritual journey.

The joy we felt ministering to the one is a joy beyond compare!

Helping others along their covenant path may take the form of an unconventional act of service.

Why is helping others along the covenant path important?
What examples does Elder Strong provide of helping others in their spiritual journey?
How can you support someone in their efforts to stay on the covenant path?
Reflect on how you can be a source of encouragement and support in your community.