The Family Proclamation—Words from God
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by asking the class to reflect on their own family experiences and how those experiences have shaped their understanding of the family proclamation.
- Share a brief history of the family proclamation's development and its significance in the Church, and invite class members to share any personal experiences they have had with the proclamation.
- Play a short video or audio clip of President Hinckley introducing the family proclamation to set the tone for the lesson.
- Start with a discussion on the current challenges families face today and how the principles in the family proclamation can address these issues.
- Invite a class member to share their testimony or experience related to living the principles of the family proclamation.
Topics
Celebrate the Family Proclamation's Divine Origin
Elder Rasband emphasized the divine origin of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," highlighting its role in maintaining and strengthening the family as the fundamental unit of society. He recounted how the proclamation was created in response to societal shifts away from God's laws regarding family, marriage, and gender.
The proclamation has a divine origin, so we must treat it with the reverence deserving words from God.
- Why is it important to recognize the divine origin of the family proclamation?
- How can understanding the context of the proclamation's creation enhance our appreciation for it?
- What societal changes were the Apostles responding to when creating the proclamation?
- How does the family proclamation help us maintain strong family units today?
- In what ways can we show reverence for the words of the family proclamation in our daily lives?
Understand the Role of Families in God's Plan
Elder Rasband highlighted that everyone belongs to a family and emphasized the eternal nature and divine destiny of individuals as spirit children of heavenly parents. The proclamation calls us to live with an awareness of our divine potential and eternal future.
The family is ordained of God. I love the clarity of that statement.
- How does knowing we are spirit children of heavenly parents influence our view of family?
- What does it mean for the family to be "ordained of God"?
- How can we better recognize and fulfill our divine potential within our families?
- What role does the family play in God's eternal plan for us?
- How can we support each family member in realizing their divine destiny?
Embrace the Proclamation's Teachings Amidst Worldly Opposition
Elder Rasband acknowledged that the teachings of the family proclamation may not align with worldly views, but he affirmed that these principles are in step with the Lord's covenant path. He urged members to trust in the proclamation as doctrine revealed by Jesus Christ.
The proclamation on the family is, as President Hinckley stated, doctrine, my dear brothers and sisters.
- Why might some people struggle with the teachings of the family proclamation?
- How can we maintain our faith in the proclamation despite societal opposition?
- What experiences have strengthened your testimony of the family proclamation?
- How can we lovingly defend the principles of the proclamation in our communities?
- What role does personal revelation play in understanding and applying the proclamation?
Live the Principles of Happiness in Family Life
Elder Rasband emphasized that happiness in family life is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ, such as faith, prayer, repentance, and love. He encouraged members to strive to live these principles, acknowledging that perfection is not required.
Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of … Jesus Christ.
- What are some teachings of Jesus Christ that can enhance family happiness?
- How can we apply these teachings in our family interactions?
- What challenges might we face in striving to live these principles, and how can we overcome them?
- How does striving for happiness in family life impact our spiritual growth?
- What role does forgiveness play in achieving happiness in family life?
Foster Equal Partnership in Marriage
Elder Rasband shared personal experiences to illustrate the importance of equal partnership in marriage. He emphasized that fathers and mothers have distinct but equal roles and should work together to fulfill their sacred responsibilities.
Fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.
- What does it mean to be equal partners in marriage?
- How can couples ensure they are working as equal partners in fulfilling their family responsibilities?
- What are some challenges that might arise in achieving equality in marriage, and how can they be addressed?
- How does equal partnership contribute to a stable and happy family environment?
- What lessons can we learn from Elder Rasband's personal story about decision-making in marriage?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we better support those who feel they don't fit the ideal family structure described in the proclamation?
- What are some ways we can teach children about their divine nature and destiny?
- How can church members support each other in living the principles of the family proclamation?
- In what ways can we strengthen our commitment to the teachings of the family proclamation?
- How can we use the family proclamation to guide our decisions and actions in daily life?
- What role does prayer play in understanding and applying the principles of the family proclamation?
- How can we foster a culture of respect and love within our families?
- What are some practical ways to incorporate wholesome recreational activities into family life?
- How can we better communicate the importance of the family proclamation to younger generations?
- What steps can we take to ensure that our homes are places of love and righteousness?
