Study Guide for "The Power of Ministering to the One"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Peter M. Johnson of the Seventy emphasizes the profound impact of ministering to individuals with love and compassion, following the example of Jesus Christ. He highlights the importance of becoming devoted disciples of Christ by focusing on personal connections, especially in challenging times. Elder Johnson encourages members to prioritize their discipleship and find strength and renewal through temple worship, living the doctrine of Christ, and partaking of the sacrament.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

How can ministering to individuals help us become devoted disciples of Jesus Christ?
What examples from the scriptures illustrate the power of ministering to the one?
How does living the doctrine of Christ create spiritual momentum in our lives?
What role does the temple play in preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
How can we overcome feelings of being unimportant, alone, or discouraged?

Topics

Minister to the One with Love and Compassion

Elder Johnson teaches that ministering to individuals in the Savior's way involves showing compassion, kindness, patience, and love without judgment. This approach invites others to come unto Christ and strengthens our discipleship.

Ministering in the Savior’s way involves compassion, kindness, patience, and love without judgment.

As we minister to the one, we invite the one to come unto Christ and to worship in the house of the Lord to receive of His redeeming power.

What are the key components of ministering in the Savior's way?
How does ministering to the one help others become devoted disciples of Christ?
How can you show love and compassion in your ministering efforts?
Reflect on a time when you felt ministered to by someone. How did it impact your faith?

Follow Christ's Example of Ministering

Elder Johnson uses the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well to illustrate how Christ ministered to individuals with love, leading them to become His disciples. This example shows the transformative power of personal, compassionate ministry.

To Him, this woman was a daughter of God.

Christ ministered to the one with love; as a result, others became His devoted disciples.

What can we learn from Christ's interaction with the Samaritan woman?
How did Christ's love and compassion lead to others becoming His disciples?
In what ways can you emulate Christ's example in your interactions with others?
Consider someone you know who might feel unseen or discouraged. How can you minister to them?

Live the Doctrine of Christ for Spiritual Momentum

Living the doctrine of Christ creates spiritual momentum that transforms our divine nature and motivates us to minister to others. Elder Johnson emphasizes the importance of daily scripture study and weekly sacrament participation in this process.

Living the doctrine of Christ can produce the most powerful virtuous cycle, creating spiritual momentum in our lives.

The Savior lifts us above the pull of this fallen world by blessing us with greater charity, humility, generosity, kindness, self-discipline, peace, and rest.

What is the doctrine of Christ and how does it create spiritual momentum?
How do scripture study and sacrament participation enhance our discipleship?
What changes can you make to more fully live the doctrine of Christ?
How has regular scripture study or sacrament participation affected your spiritual momentum?

Prepare for the Second Coming through Temple Worship

Elder Johnson underscores the importance of temple worship in preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The temple is a place to focus on Christ, find Him, and receive His redeeming power.

Regular worship in the temple will help us. In the house of the Lord, we focus on Jesus Christ.

Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple.

Why is temple worship crucial in preparing for the Second Coming?
How does the temple help us focus on Jesus Christ?
When can you plan your next visit to the temple?
Reflect on your last temple visit. How did it help you focus on Christ?

Overcome Feelings of Discouragement through Faith in Christ

Elder Johnson shares his personal experience of overcoming feelings of anger, confusion, and doubt by relying on faith in Jesus Christ. He encourages us to press forward with faith, even amid unanswered questions and feelings of being unseen.

At times we will have unanswered questions and feelings of being unimportant, discouraged, alone, and unseen.

Let not your heart be troubled.

How can faith in Jesus Christ help us overcome feelings of discouragement?
What role does remembering past spiritual experiences play in maintaining faith?
What unanswered questions or feelings of discouragement are you facing? How can you address them with faith?
How can you remind yourself of past spiritual experiences to strengthen your faith?