Lesson Prepration Guide for "Receive His Gift"

In his General Conference talk, "Receive His Gift," Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explores the profound concept of gift-giving, both in human relationships and from our Heavenly Father. He emphasizes the importance of not only accepting gifts but truly receiving them in a way that transforms our lives. Elder Kearon invites us to deeply internalize the truth that we are God's beloved children, a realization that can reshape our understanding and experiences.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin with a discussion on memorable gifts: Invite class members to share stories about the most meaningful gift they have ever given or received, and what made it special.
Share a personal story: Start by sharing a personal story about receiving a special gift, similar to Elder Kearon's story about the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car.
Discuss cultural gift-giving: Explore the concept of gift-giving in different cultures and why it is a universal practice, then relate it to the gifts from our Heavenly Father.
Use a visual aid: Bring a wrapped gift to the class and discuss the process of giving, accepting, and receiving gifts as Elder Kearon described.
Reflect on God's gifts: Ask class members to ponder silently about the gifts they feel they have received from God and how they have impacted their lives.

Topics

Explore the Universal Custom of Gift Giving

Elder Kearon discussed how gift giving is a universal tradition across cultures and time, meant to strengthen relationships and express love. He noted that even animals engage in this practice, highlighting its fundamental nature.

Gift giving is a social custom that spans all cultures, civilisations, and millennia.

Why do you think gift giving is a universal practice?
How have gifts you have given or received strengthened relationships in your life?
What can we learn from Elder Kearon's story about the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car?
How can understanding gift-giving traditions in other cultures enhance our appreciation for our own traditions?
What role does intention play in the act of giving a gift?

Understand the Process of Giving and Receiving Gifts

Elder Kearon described the process of giving and receiving gifts in three parts: giving, accepting and opening, and truly receiving. He emphasized that true receiving involves valuing the gift and the giver, and integrating the gift into one's life.

To truly receive a gift, we come to value it for ourselves, put it to full use in our lives, and then remember with thankfulness the giver.

What distinguishes receiving a gift from merely accepting it?
How can we ensure that we are truly receiving the gifts given to us?
Why is it important to remember the giver of a gift?
How does the process of receiving a gift strengthen relationships?
Can you share a time when you realized the true value of a gift long after receiving it?

Recognize Our Heavenly Father's Gifts

Elder Kearon highlighted that our Heavenly Father offers us innumerable gifts of light and truth, with Jesus Christ being the greatest gift. These gifts are meant to guide and bless us throughout our lives.

Our Heavenly Father has innumerable gifts of light and truth prepared to shower down on each of us, His treasured children.

What are some of the gifts you feel you have received from Heavenly Father?
How does recognizing these gifts change your perspective on life's challenges?
What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ is the greatest gift from our Heavenly Father?
How can we better recognize and appreciate the gifts from our Heavenly Father in our daily lives?
In what ways can we express gratitude for the gifts we receive from God?

Embrace the Truth That We Are God's Children

Elder Kearon emphasized the profound truth that we are God's children, a gift that offers context to our lives and challenges. He urged us to fully accept and internalize this truth to transform our lives.

It is that we really are God’s children. That truth is breathtaking! Stunning! And it is not figurative.

How does knowing you are a child of God affect your self-perception?
What challenges in your life have been reframed by understanding this truth?
Why might this truth lose its impact over time, and how can we renew its wonder?
How can we help others realize and accept that they are children of God?
What steps can we take to internalize this truth more deeply in our lives?

Accept the Invitation to Come Unto Christ

Elder Kearon invited us to come unto Christ and embrace the gifts He offers, grounded in the knowledge that we are beloved children of God. This acceptance can transform our lives and bring us joy.

You can come to Christ with confidence in His loving-kindness and receive all His gifts of joy, peace, hope, light, truth, revelation, knowledge, and wisdom.

What does it mean to you to come unto Christ?
How can we lay hold upon every good gift offered by Christ?
In what ways does knowing we are God's children give us confidence to approach Christ?
How have you experienced transformation by accepting Christ's gifts?
What can we do to help others come unto Christ and receive His gifts?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we better recognize the gifts we have been given in our lives?
What are some ways we can express gratitude for the gifts we receive?
How does the process of giving and receiving gifts reflect our relationship with God?
What impact does truly receiving a gift have on our relationship with the giver?
In what ways does understanding that we are God's children change our interactions with others?
What role does humility play in receiving gifts from God?
How can we ensure that we are not blocking the reception of God's gifts in our lives?
What are some practical ways to internalize the truth that we are children of God?
How can we help others recognize the gifts they have received from God?
What does it mean to you to receive the gift of Jesus Christ in your life?