Go and Do Likewise
James E. Evanson, of the Seventy
Elder Evanson exhorts members to follow Christ's example by serving others, highlighting service missionaries' impactful roles.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by sharing a personal story or experience where an act of service impacted your life or the life of someone you know. Ask class members to think about similar experiences they might have had.
- Show a short video clip of a service project or missionary work and discuss initial reactions. This can help set the tone for the lesson on service.
- Start with a scripture reading about service, such as Matthew 25:40, and invite class members to share what this verse means to them.
- Ask class members to write down a recent act of service they performed or received and then share how it made them feel.
- Create a word cloud with words related to service (e.g., kindness, helping, love) and ask class members to add words they associate with service.
Topics
Service Opens Hearts to the Gospel
Service can lead others to the gospel by opening their hearts. Examples from the scriptures and modern-day experiences illustrate how acts of service create opportunities to share the gospel message.
Like Ammon and Sister Bevan, as we serve others, we "show forth good examples unto them" and they desire to know the "reason of the hope that is in [us]."
- How has service opened doors for you to share the gospel?
- What can we learn from Ammon's approach to service?
- Why do you think service is so effective in opening hearts to the gospel?
- Can you share an experience where service led to a gospel discussion?
- How can we be more mindful of opportunities to serve and share the gospel?
Service Allows Us to Minister Regardless of Circumstances
Service missions provide opportunities for everyone to serve, regardless of personal circumstances. Examples of service missionaries demonstrate that all acts of service are valuable and recognized by the Savior.
You don’t need to have a service assignment or wear a name tag to do good. Every act of service is recognized by the Savior.
- What are some ways we can serve without a formal calling?
- How can we encourage others to serve despite their limitations?
- Why is it important to recognize all forms of service?
- How does serving others help us minister to them?
- What personal circumstances have you overcome to serve others?
Service Brings the Power of Christ into Our Lives
Service invites the power of Christ into our lives, helping us overcome personal challenges and bringing joy. Examples from missionaries show how service can transform individuals and families.
Willingness to serve and strengthen others stands as a symbol of one’s readiness to be healed by the redemptive power of the Savior.
- How has service brought the power of Christ into your life?
- What changes have you noticed in yourself through serving others?
- How can service help us overcome personal challenges?
- Why is service a symbol of readiness to be healed?
- What role does joy play in service?
Service Missionaries as Consecrated Disciples
Service missionaries exemplify consecrated discipleship by gathering Israel and serving others. Their work is vital and changes lives, demonstrating that all service is valuable in the eyes of the Lord.
If teaching missionaries are the Lord’s mouth, then service missionaries are the Lord’s hands, and you are not second-class missionaries.
- What makes service missionaries unique examples of discipleship?
- How do service missionaries contribute to the gathering of Israel?
- Why is it important to celebrate all missionary calls?
- How can we support service missionaries in our community?
- What impact have service missionaries had on your life or community?
Service as the Lifeblood of Discipleship
Service is essential to discipleship, helping us become more like Christ and lifting others. It is a powerful tool for changing hearts and the world, as exemplified by Christ's own ministry.
Through service we change hearts—and the world.
- How does service help us become more like Christ?
- In what ways can service change the world?
- What are some examples of Christ's service that inspire you?
- How can we make service a more integral part of our lives?
- Why is service considered the lifeblood of discipleship?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What does the phrase 'go, and do thou likewise' mean to you?
- How can we better recognize opportunities for service in our daily lives?
- What role does prayer play in preparing for service?
- How can we teach children the importance of service?
- What are some small acts of service that have made a big difference in your life?
- How can service help us feel more connected to our community?
- What are some obstacles to serving others, and how can we overcome them?
- How does service help us fulfill our covenants with God?
- What are some creative ways to serve others in a busy world?
- How can we ensure our service is motivated by love and not obligation?
