Cheering Each Other On
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by sharing the story of Orville Rogers, the 100-year-old runner, and ask the class to reflect on a time when they felt encouraged by others.
- Ask the class to close their eyes and imagine themselves at a race, hearing the cheers of the crowd. Then, discuss how we can be a cheering crowd for each other in life.
- Show a short video or slideshow of various races and the support runners receive from the crowd, then transition into discussing how this applies to our spiritual journey.
- Start with a personal story or testimony about a time you felt supported by your church community, and invite others to share similar experiences.
- Invite class members to think of someone they admire for their perseverance and discuss how encouragement played a role in that person's journey.
Topics
Cheer Each Other On in Life's Race
Sister Dennis shared the story of Orville Rogers to illustrate the importance of cheering each other on in our personal journeys. Despite finishing last, Orville broke records and received support from the crowd, which mirrors how we should support each other in our spiritual and life challenges.
With the cheering encouragement of thousands of spectators, Orville called on his last reserves of energy.
- How can we create a supportive environment in our congregations similar to the crowd cheering for Orville?
- What are some ways we can "cheer on" those who may be struggling in their personal race?
- Why is it important to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others, even if they seem small?
- What can we learn from Orville's determination and the crowd's support?
- How can we apply the principle of cheering each other on in our families and communities?
Foster a Sense of Belonging
Sister Dennis emphasized the human need for belonging and the role of congregations in providing that sense of community. She encouraged us to create environments where everyone feels wanted, needed, and valued, regardless of their circumstances or limitations.
No matter where we live in the world, no matter our age, it is a basic human need for all of us to feel a sense of belonging.
- What are some barriers that might prevent someone from feeling like they belong in our church community?
- How can we better include those who feel marginalized or different?
- Why is it important to create a sense of belonging in our congregations?
- What role does the love of Christ play in fostering belonging?
- How can we identify and reach out to those who may feel they don’t belong?
Practice Christlike Love and Charity
The talk highlighted the importance of exhibiting Christlike love and charity, which involve lifting and encouraging others rather than judging them. Sister Dennis quoted President Nelson, emphasizing that charity is the hallmark of true discipleship.
Charity propels us ‘to bear one another’s burdens’ rather than heap burdens upon each other.
- How can we develop greater charity in our interactions with others?
- What does it mean to bear one another’s burdens in a Christlike way?
- How can we avoid judging others and instead show love and understanding?
- Why is charity considered the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ?
- What are some practical ways we can demonstrate Christlike love in our daily lives?
Understand the Savior's Example
Sister Dennis discussed the Savior's life as an example of loving and lifting those who are outcast or judged harshly. She encouraged us to follow His example by developing Christlike attributes and becoming a Zion people.
His is not a gospel of checklists; it is a gospel of becoming—becoming as He is and loving as He does.
- What are some Christlike attributes we can strive to develop?
- How can we follow the Savior’s example in our interactions with others?
- What does it mean to become a Zion people?
- How can we move beyond a checklist mentality in our spiritual lives?
- What are some ways we can lift those who feel like outcasts in our community?
Recognize and Overcome Judgment
Sister Dennis shared her personal experience with depression and the fear of being judged. She taught that only the Lord fully understands our challenges and is qualified to judge us, and she urged us to avoid unrighteous judgment of ourselves and others.
Only the Lord fully knows the actual level of difficulty with which each of us is running our race of life.
- Why is it important to avoid judging others, especially when we don't know their full story?
- How can we be more compassionate towards those who are struggling?
- What are some ways we might judge ourselves too harshly, and how can we overcome that?
- How can we better support those who are facing unseen challenges?
- What role does empathy play in overcoming judgment?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we apply the Golden Rule in our interactions with others?
- What are some ways we can support new members in feeling welcome?
- How can we create a culture of encouragement in our families?
- What does it mean to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ?
- How can we help those who feel like they don't measure up?
- What are some practical ways to show love to those of different faiths?
- How can we ensure that our congregations are places of healing?
- What are some steps we can take to develop greater unity among church members?
- How can we be more aware of the silent struggles of those around us?
- What are some ways to encourage someone who feels like giving up?
