No One Sits Alone
Gerrit W. Gong, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Gong encourages embracing gospel culture by ensuring no one sits alone in church.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin with a personal story about a time you felt alone in a new environment and how someone helped you feel included. This can set the tone for the lesson and relate to Elder Gong's message.
- Start by asking the class to think about the last time they made a new friend at church or reached out to someone sitting alone. Invite a few to share their experiences.
- Play a short video or present a slideshow of diverse congregations around the world, emphasizing the unity and diversity in the Church.
- Invite a member of the class to share a brief testimony about how they have felt a sense of belonging in the Church, even if they have felt alone in other areas of their life.
- Ask the class to silently reflect on their own experiences of feeling isolated or included and write down a commitment to reach out to someone new this week.
Topics
Understand Gospel and Cultural Differences
Elder Gong discussed the concept of gospel culture versus cultural practices, using the example of fortune cookies to illustrate how cultural practices can differ. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing gospel culture as we learn and grow in the Church.
Fortune cookies are a fun, simple example. But the same principle of comparing practices in different cultural settings can help us distinguish gospel culture.
- How can we better distinguish between gospel culture and our own cultural practices?
- What are some cultural practices that might conflict with gospel principles?
- How can understanding gospel culture help us in our personal conversion?
- What role does gospel culture play in our Church meetings and interactions?
- How can we celebrate cultural diversity while maintaining gospel standards?
Embrace Diversity in the Church
Elder Gong highlighted the diversity within the Church, noting that members come from 195 countries and speak 125 languages. He emphasized that the gospel unites us all, regardless of our backgrounds.
Today those invited to the supper of the Lord come from every place and culture. Old and young, rich and poor, local and global, we make our Church congregations look like our communities.
- Why is diversity important in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
- How does diversity enrich our congregations?
- What can we do to better welcome and integrate members from different backgrounds?
- How can embracing diversity strengthen our testimonies?
- In what ways can we celebrate the diversity in our own congregations?
Ensure No One Sits Alone
Elder Gong urged members to ensure that no one sits alone at church, emphasizing the importance of emotional and spiritual inclusion. He shared a poignant story about a young deacon who felt ostracized due to his appearance.
The spirit of "room in the inn" includes "no one sits alone." When you come to church, if you see someone alone, will you please say hello and sit with him or her?
- What are some reasons people might feel alone at church?
- How can we create a more inclusive environment in our congregations?
- What are some small actions we can take to ensure no one sits alone?
- How does making sure no one sits alone reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ?
- What impact can reaching out to someone sitting alone have on their life?
Recognize Covenant Belonging
Elder Gong taught that covenant belonging in Jesus Christ ensures that no one sits alone. He explained that conversion requires us to put off worldly culture and embrace gospel culture.
Doctrinally, in the household of faith and fellowship of the Saints, no one sits alone because of covenant belonging in Jesus Christ.
- What does covenant belonging mean to you?
- How do covenants help us feel a sense of belonging in the Church?
- In what ways can we deepen our covenant relationship with the Savior?
- How does understanding covenant belonging change our interactions with others?
- What can we do to help others feel their covenant belonging?
Seek Forgiveness and Hope in Jesus Christ
Elder Gong shared stories of individuals who found hope and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that the peace of Christ is available to all who seek it.
The peace of Jesus Christ is meant for us personally. Recently a young man earnestly asked, "Elder Gong, can I still go to heaven?"
- How can we find hope and forgiveness in Jesus Christ?
- What role does forgiveness play in our spiritual journey?
- How can we help others who feel they cannot be forgiven?
- What experiences have you had that helped you feel the peace of Jesus Christ?
- How can we share the message of hope and forgiveness with others?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we apply the parable of the good Samaritan in our everyday interactions at church?
- In what ways can we help new converts feel included in our congregations?
- What are some practical steps we can take to embrace gospel culture in our lives?
- How does the principle of 'no one sits alone' align with the teachings of Jesus Christ?
- What are some challenges we might face in creating an inclusive church environment?
- How can we overcome feelings of inadequacy or isolation in the Church?
- What can we learn from the story of the young deacon and his new shoes?
- How does understanding our identity as children of God influence our actions?
- What impact does social media have on our sense of belonging and inclusion?
- How can we better support those who feel isolated due to life circumstances, such as divorce or widowhood?
