Lesson Prepration Guide for "Forsake Not Your Own Mercy"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Matthew S. Holland delves into the story of Jonah, a prophet who initially resisted God's command but ultimately became a powerful symbol of repentance and divine mercy. Elder Holland draws parallels between Jonah's experiences and our own struggles, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Fall and recognizing the Savior's redeeming power. This talk encourages us to seek divine help and healing, particularly through the Savior, Jesus Christ, and to embrace the joy that comes from living the gospel.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin by sharing a personal experience where you felt the need for mercy and how you found it through the Savior. Invite class members to ponder similar experiences in their lives.
Start the lesson with a brief retelling of Jonah's story, emphasizing his initial disobedience and eventual repentance. Ask the class to consider how they might relate to Jonah's journey.
Invite a class member to read Jonah's prayer from the belly of the whale (Jonah 2:2-9) and discuss the emotions and realizations Jonah might have experienced during this time.
Play a short video clip or share a visual representation of Jonah's story to engage visual learners and set the tone for discussing mercy and repentance.
Pose the question: "What does mercy mean to you?" and allow class members to share their thoughts before diving into the lesson.

Topics

Jonah's Story Illustrates Human Imperfection

Elder Holland discussed Jonah's story as a vivid testimony that in mortality, all are fallen. Jonah's reluctance to fulfill God's command and his subsequent journey highlight the universal struggle with moral, physical, and situational challenges.

Stumbling more than once in his duties, Jonah provides a vivid testimony that in mortality, "all are fallen."

How does Jonah's story help us understand our own imperfections?
In what ways can acknowledging our fallen state lead to personal growth?
How can we apply the lessons from Jonah's story to our daily lives?
Why is it important to have a testimony of the Fall?
How can understanding the Fall help us extend mercy to others?

God's Mercy and Love for All

Elder Holland emphasized that God patiently teaches Jonah that He loves and seeks to rescue all His children. This message of mercy is extended to everyone, regardless of their past actions.

God patiently teaches Jonah that He loves and seeks to rescue all His children.

How does God's mercy manifest in our lives?
Why is it important to remember that God loves all His children?
How can we emulate God’s patience and mercy in our interactions with others?
What experiences have helped you feel God’s love and mercy?
How can we better recognize and accept God's mercy in our lives?

The Sign of Jonah and Christ's Atonement

Elder Holland drew parallels between Jonah's three days in the whale and Christ's three days in the tomb, highlighting the significance of the Atonement in delivering us from the effects of the Fall.

As a symbol of the Savior’s sacrificial death and glorious Resurrection, Jonah may be flawed. But this is also what makes his personal witness of and commitment to Jesus Christ, offered in the belly of the whale, so poignant and inspiring.

What does the "sign of Jonah" teach us about Christ's Atonement?
How can we find hope in the symbolism of Jonah's story?
In what ways does Christ's Atonement provide personal deliverance?
How can we strengthen our commitment to the Savior, like Jonah did?
How does understanding the Atonement change our perspective on personal trials?

Forsake Not Your Own Mercy

Elder Holland urged individuals to not forsake their own mercy by turning away from the Savior. He emphasized the importance of accessing divine help and healing through Christ.

Forsake not your own mercy. You have immediate access to divine help and healing despite your human flaws.

What does it mean to "forsake not your own mercy"?
How can we actively seek the Lord's mercy in our lives?
Why might some individuals feel tempted to turn away from their spiritual responsibilities?
What steps can we take to ensure we do not forsake our own mercy?
How can we help others who may feel they are beyond the reach of God's mercy?

Finding Joy Amidst Trials

Elder Holland shared that by focusing on God's plan and the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can find joy regardless of our circumstances. This joy comes from understanding and accepting the Savior's role in our lives.

When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives.

How can we maintain a focus on God’s plan during difficult times?
What role does gratitude play in finding joy amidst trials?
How can we help others find joy in their personal crucibles?
What practices can help us keep the Savior at the center of our lives?
How does understanding the gospel help us find joy in everyday challenges?

Additional Discussion Questions

What lessons can we learn from Jonah's initial disobedience?
How does the story of Jonah illustrate the concept of repentance?
In what ways can we be more merciful to ourselves and others?
How can we better recognize the 'tender mercies' of the Lord in our lives?
What does it mean to pay that which we have vowed?
How can we apply the principle of hesed in our relationships?
What are some 'lying vanities' that might distract us from our spiritual responsibilities?
How can we strengthen our resolve to serve the Lord with thanksgiving?
Why is it important to turn to the temple in times of trouble?
How can we develop a deeper testimony of the Savior's Atonement?