Harden Not Your Heart
Christopher H. Kim, of the Seventy
Elder Kim counsels on avoiding a hardened heart through repentance, humility, and trust in Christ.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by asking the class to reflect on a time when they felt their heart was hardened and what led to that change. Encourage them to think about how they softened their heart afterward.
- Share a brief story of Nephi from the Book of Mormon and discuss how his humility and obedience led to a softened heart.
- Read the scripture 1 Nephi 2:16 aloud and invite class members to ponder how prayer and humility can lead to personal revelation.
- Start with a short video clip or audio excerpt of President Russell M. Nelson speaking about repentance and its role in softening our hearts.
- Invite a member of the class to share a personal experience where they felt the Spirit more strongly after choosing to soften their heart.
Topics
Understand the Concept of Hardness of Heart
Elder Kim explained what it means to have a hardness of heart, using the example of Laman and Lemuel from the Book of Mormon. He described hardness as being stubborn and wicked, leading to blindness and resistance to the Holy Ghost.
When we harden our hearts, we are blinded, and good things cannot come into our hearts or our minds.
- What are some signs that our hearts might be hardening?
- How can focusing on worldly desires lead to a hardened heart?
- Why do you think Laman and Lemuel struggled to believe, despite witnessing miracles?
- How can we guard against developing a hardness of heart in our daily lives?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in softening our hearts?
Practice Daily Repentance
Elder Kim emphasized the importance of daily repentance as a means to soften our hearts. Repentance allows us to progress spiritually and experience joy by aligning our will with God's.
Repenting is the key to progress. Pure faith keeps us moving forward on the covenant path.
- How does daily repentance help us keep our hearts soft?
- What are some challenges you face when trying to repent daily?
- How can repentance bring joy into our lives?
- In what ways does repentance help us align our will with God's?
- Why is it important to not delay repentance?
Embrace Humility
The talk highlighted humility as a crucial element in softening our hearts. Elder Kim shared a story of a woman who learned to be meek and humble, which led her to baptism and a stronger testimony.
She had to let go of her stubbornness and her own wisdom. She started to humble herself through sincere repentance.
- How does humility contribute to a softened heart?
- What experiences have taught you the importance of humility?
- How can we cultivate humility in our daily interactions?
- What does it mean to be meek and lowly of heart?
- Why is humility necessary for receiving personal revelation?
Trust and Rely on the Savior
Elder Kim encouraged trusting in the Lord as a way to soften our hearts. He used Nephi's example of trusting in God rather than in the arm of flesh.
I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh.
- What does it mean to trust in the Lord with all your heart?
- How has trusting in the Savior helped you in times of trial?
- What are some barriers to fully trusting in the Lord?
- How can we strengthen our trust in God daily?
- What role does trust play in receiving the Spirit's guidance?
Follow the Example of Jesus Christ
Elder Kim concluded by urging us to follow the Savior's example of meekness and obedience. Christ's submission to the Father's will, even in suffering, is the ultimate demonstration of a softened heart.
Let us follow the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who followed the will of the Father.
- How can we emulate Christ's example of meekness in our lives?
- What does it mean to submit our will to the Father?
- How does Christ's obedience inspire you to soften your heart?
- What are some ways we can follow the Savior's example today?
- How does understanding Christ's sacrifice affect your willingness to soften your heart?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What are some practical steps we can take to remain humble?
- How can we help others who may have hardened their hearts?
- What role does prayer play in softening our hearts?
- How can we discern when our hearts are starting to harden?
- What are some examples from the scriptures of individuals who softened their hearts?
- How does the Spirit help us recognize our need for repentance?
- What can we learn from Nephi's approach to dealing with his brothers' hardened hearts?
- How can we ensure that we are open to the guidance of the Holy Ghost?
- What does it mean to be 'past feeling' and how can we avoid it?
- How can we apply Elder Kim's teachings to improve our family relationships?
