In this article, weʻll be deep diving into Doctrine and Covenants 18. To download our free lesson help + customizable Canva Template, click here: https://otherthanamom.myflodesk.com/dandc18
“Build up my church.”
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you personally to “build up” Christ’s Church? How can you contribute to this work today?
- Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–16 talks about the worth of souls. How does this knowledge influence your desire to help others come unto Christ?
- How can you use your unique talents and abilities to strengthen your ward, branch, or community?
- What are some small acts of service that can make a big difference in building up the Church?
- How can sharing your testimony—whether in person or online—help build Christ’s Church?
- Why do you think Christ invites everyone to participate in building His Church, regardless of age or experience?
- What role does love and compassion play in helping others feel welcome in the Church?
- Have you ever felt strengthened by someone else’s efforts to build up the Church? How did it impact you?
- How can you help others who may feel disconnected or distant from the Church feel more included and supported?
- What is one thing you can do this week to help build up Christ’s Church in your home, community, or among your friends?
Object Lessons:
1. Building Blocks or Legos
Materials:
- A set of building blocks (e.g., Legos or wooden blocks)
Lesson Overview:
Each block represents an individual in the church. Ask participants to help build a tower or structure, explaining that every block matters. If one block is missing or out of place, the structure isn’t as strong or complete.
Discussion Points:
- How does every individual’s contribution (or “block”) strengthen the church?
- What happens when one piece isn’t given attention?
- How do we support each other to build a stronger community?
2. Puzzle Pieces
Materials:
- A large puzzle with clearly unique pieces
Lesson Overview:
Distribute a few puzzle pieces and then have the group put together the complete picture. Emphasize that just as each puzzle piece is needed to reveal the full image, every person in the church is essential to reveal the full beauty of the community.
Discussion Points:
- How does each person’s unique contribution complete the “picture” of the church?
- What happens when a piece is missing?
- How can we help others feel like they belong?
3. Rope or Chain Demonstration
Materials:
- Several lengths of rope or a chain with individual links
Lesson Overview:
Show how separate strands (or links) are weak on their own but become strong when woven together or connected. You might even let participants try to pull on individual strands versus the whole rope.
Discussion Points:
- How does unity in the church create strength?
- What are some ways we can interweave our talents and efforts?
- How can we better support one another to “build up” our community?
4. Gardening: Seeds and Soil
Materials:
- Small seeds and a container with soil
Lesson Overview:
Discuss how a seed, though tiny, can grow into something magnificent when nurtured. Have participants plant a seed in soil to illustrate that each small act of faith or service contributes to the growth of the church over time.
Discussion Points:
- What small actions have you seen that contributed to growth in your community?
- How does caring for something small build a foundation for something greater?
- In what ways can we “nurture” our church?
5. Candle Light
Materials:
- Several small candles (or battery-operated tea lights for safety)
Lesson Overview:
Light one candle and explain that it represents the light of Christ or the spirit each person brings. Then, light additional candles one by one, showing how the brightness grows as each person contributes.
Discussion Points:
- How does one person’s testimony or service add to the overall brightness of the church?
- What happens when we come together in unity?
- How can you add your “light” to build up the community?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt inspired to serve in a Church calling or responsibility. How did that experience help you feel like you were helping to build up the Lord’s Church?
- Think of a time when you invited someone to attend church or a church activity. How did that simple act help strengthen the community of believers?
- Think of a time when you supported someone who was struggling in their faith. How did helping them strengthen their testimony also help you grow in your own?
- Think of a time when you participated in missionary work, either formally or informally. How did sharing the gospel help you feel connected to the Lord’s command to build up His Church?
- Think of a time when you helped someone prepare for baptism, temple ordinances, or another important gospel milestone. How did that experience teach you the importance of the Lord’s work?
- Think of a time when you taught a gospel class or led a discussion that brought the Spirit into the room. How did that moment help you see your role in building the Church?
- Think of a time when you served others through ministering, service projects, or acts of kindness. How did those moments contribute to building the unity and strength of the Church?
- Think of a time when you worked on your own spiritual growth—through prayer, scripture study, or temple attendance. How did strengthening yourself also help you contribute to building the Church?
- Think of a time when you saw someone else’s small act of service make a big difference in your ward or community. How did their example inspire you to contribute more to the Church’s mission?
- Think of a time when you felt the Spirit confirm that your efforts in the Lord’s work mattered, even if the results weren’t immediate. How did that confirmation strengthen your resolve to keep building up His Church?
“The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10)? How does this truth impact the way you see yourself?
- How can recognizing the divine worth of others influence the way you treat people in your family, school, workplace, or community?
- Have you ever had an experience where someone helped you feel your worth in God’s eyes? How did that impact you?
- Doctrine and Covenants 18:15–16 talks about the joy that comes from helping others come unto Christ. How have you felt this joy in your life?
- Why do you think it’s sometimes difficult for people to see their own worth? How can you help others recognize their divine value?
- What role does the Atonement of Jesus Christ play in showing us our worth in God’s eyes?
- How can you balance self-improvement with self-acceptance, knowing that you are of great worth to God right now?
- What are some simple ways you can help someone who might feel unimportant or forgotten realize their value?
- How does knowing that every soul is of great worth influence your desire to serve, love, and forgive others?
- What is one thing you can do this week to help someone feel their worth in God’s sight?
Object Lessons:
1. Precious Gems Object Lesson
Materials:
- A bag of small gems, beads, or even colored stones
- A magnifying glass
Lesson Overview:
Explain that each gem represents a soul. Just as gems are carefully examined and valued for their unique qualities—even if they seem small—each person is precious in God’s eyes. Use the magnifying glass to show that even the tiniest gem holds beauty and detail that might be overlooked without careful attention.
Discussion Points:
- How does examining each gem remind us to see the value in every person?
- In what ways can we show others that we recognize their unique worth?
2. Puzzle Pieces Lesson
Materials:
- A simple jigsaw puzzle with distinct pieces
Lesson Overview:
Hand out several puzzle pieces and demonstrate that every piece is needed to complete the full picture. Without one piece, the image remains incomplete. Relate this to the idea that each soul, no matter how small it may seem, is an essential part of God’s “masterpiece.”
Discussion Points:
- What happens to a puzzle when even one piece is missing?
- How can we ensure that everyone in our community feels like a vital part of the whole?
3. Flower Seed Lesson
Materials:
- A few seeds (such as sunflower or bean seeds)
- Small containers with soil
Lesson Overview:
Discuss how a tiny seed can grow into a magnificent flower when nurtured properly. Explain that, like the seed, every soul has tremendous potential and is worthy of care and attention. Invite participants to plant a seed as a symbolic act of nurturing potential.
Discussion Points:
- What small actions can lead to tremendous growth in our lives or the lives of others?
- How do you think nurturing each individual contributes to a thriving community?
4. Mirror Reflection Lesson
Materials:
- A mirror
Lesson Overview:
Ask participants to look in the mirror and reflect on their own image. Emphasize that every person, seen in that reflection, is made in God’s image and is inherently valuable. This simple exercise reminds us that our self-worth is recognized by God and should inspire us to see that worth in others as well.
Discussion Points:
- How does recognizing your own value affect the way you treat yourself and those around you?
- What are some ways we can remind others of their divine worth?
5. Treasure Box Lesson
Materials:
- A small box
- A collection of small tokens (coins, notes, or tiny objects that can symbolize “treasures”)
Lesson Overview:
Start with an empty box and explain that while it may look ordinary at first, it has the potential to hold great treasures. As you add each token, discuss how each one represents the gifts, talents, or qualities that make each soul uniquely valuable. The filled box becomes a metaphor for a life enriched by realizing its true worth in God’s eyes.
Discussion Points:
- What “treasures” (qualities, talents, or acts of kindness) do you see in yourself and others?
- How can we share these treasures to help build and uplift our community?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt God’s love for you in a profound way. How did that experience help you understand your worth in His eyes?
- Think of a time when you saw someone else discover their divine worth. How did witnessing their transformation deepen your testimony of God’s love for all His children?
- Think of a time when you reached out to someone who was struggling or felt alone. How did that act of kindness help you see them the way God does?
- Think of a time when you forgave someone or were forgiven. How did that experience help you recognize the infinite worth of every soul, including your own?
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to help or serve someone you didn’t know well. How did following that prompting teach you about the value God places on each individual?
- Think of a time when you studied or pondered the Atonement of Jesus Christ and felt a deeper understanding of why each soul matters. How did that realization influence the way you treat others?
- Think of a time when you felt impressed to share the gospel with someone. How did that experience help you see their eternal worth and the importance of bringing souls to Christ?
- Think of a time when you felt judged or undervalued but later felt the Lord remind you of your divine worth. How did that experience strengthen your identity as a child of God?
- Think of a time when you saw someone change their life through repentance and come closer to the Savior. How did witnessing their journey help you appreciate the power of Christ’s love for every soul?
- Think of a time when you felt the Spirit prompt you to see beyond someone’s mistakes and recognize their divine potential. How did that moment teach you to love as Christ loves?
The Lord rejoices when I repent.
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you that the Lord rejoices when you repent (Doctrine and Covenants 18:13)? How does this shape your view of repentance?
- Why do you think repentance is often viewed as something negative or difficult, even though the Lord finds joy in it?
- Can you think of a time when you felt peace or happiness after sincerely repenting? What did you learn from that experience?
- Doctrine and Covenants 18:11–13 emphasizes the Savior’s role in our repentance. How does His love motivate you to turn back to Him?
- How can understanding that repentance brings joy to the Lord change the way you approach mistakes and challenges?
- What are some small, daily ways we can practice repentance and draw closer to Christ?
- How can you help others see repentance as a hopeful and joyful process rather than something to fear?
- What role does humility play in the repentance process, and how can you develop greater humility?
- How does knowing the Lord rejoices when you repent help you overcome feelings of guilt, shame, or unworthiness?
- What is one area of your life where you feel prompted to make a change and invite the joy of repentance?
Object Lessons:
1. Clean Slate Whiteboard
Materials:
- A whiteboard or large paper
- Markers and an eraser
Lesson Overview:
Write “mistakes” or symbols of sin on the board. Then, using an eraser, wipe the board clean. Emphasize that repentance clears away our past errors, allowing us to start fresh. Just as the board becomes blank and ready for new writing, our lives are renewed when we repent, and the Lord rejoices in our willingness to change.
Discussion Points:
- How does the act of erasing relate to letting go of past mistakes?
- In what ways does a fresh start bring joy to both us and God?
2. Broken and Repaired Object
Materials:
- A small, breakable object (e.g., a ceramic cup or vase) that is safely “broken” beforehand
- Materials to repair it (or, alternatively, show a pre-repaired version using the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which highlights the repairs with gold)
Lesson Overview:
Show the broken object and explain that, like the broken pieces, our lives may feel shattered by sin. Then, reveal the repaired version to demonstrate how repentance allows God to mend us. The visible “gold” or repair is a symbol of how our scars can become signs of transformation and beauty, which delights the Lord.
Discussion Points:
- What does the repair process teach us about how God views our repentance?
- How can our personal “repairs” be used to uplift others?
3. Dim Light Turned On
Materials:
- A lamp or light switch demonstration
Lesson Overview:
Begin with the lamp turned off to represent the darkness of unrepented mistakes. Then, switch it on, symbolizing how repentance brings light into our lives. Explain that when we repent, it’s as if we turn on a light inside us—dispelling darkness and inviting joy, both in our hearts and in the heart of the Lord.
Discussion Points:
- How does light help us see clearly, just as repentance clears our minds and hearts?
- What are some “dark” areas in our lives that need the light of repentance?
4. Dirty and Clean Mirror
Materials:
- A mirror with smudges (or a dirty mirror image)
- A cleaning cloth
Lesson Overview:
Hold up the smudged mirror to represent how our hearts can become clouded by sin. Then, clean the mirror to reveal a clear reflection. This illustrates that repentance not only cleanses us but also allows us to see ourselves as God sees us—precious and redeemed. The joy of seeing a clear, bright reflection is akin to the Lord’s rejoicing when we repent.
Discussion Points:
- How does cleaning the mirror symbolize the process of repentance?
- What does it mean to see ourselves in the “clear light” of God’s love?
5. Reset Button Demonstration
Materials:
- A remote control (or any device with a “reset” feature)
- A marker or label (optional) to designate the reset button
Lesson Overview:
Point out a “reset” button on a remote or similar device. Explain that sometimes our lives need a “reset” to remove the errors of the past and start anew. This simple act of pressing reset mirrors the power of repentance—allowing us to wipe away our mistakes and begin again. Emphasize that the Lord rejoices when we take this step toward renewal.
Discussion Points:
- How does the idea of a reset help us understand the fresh start that repentance offers?
- In what ways can we make use of this “reset” moment in our daily lives?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt the joy of repentance and knew the Lord had forgiven you. How did that experience strengthen your relationship with Him?
- Think of a time when you helped someone else understand the power of repentance. How did seeing their journey deepen your own testimony of the Lord’s mercy and love?
- Think of a time when you initially felt fear or shame about repenting but later felt peace and joy. How did that experience change the way you view repentance?
- Think of a time when you felt the Spirit strongly after making things right with someone you had wronged. How did that moment help you feel the Lord’s rejoicing over your efforts?
- Think of a time when you saw someone else make meaningful changes in their life and turn back to the Lord. How did witnessing their repentance strengthen your belief in the power of the Atonement?
- Think of a time when you repented of something small and felt a surprising sense of peace. How did that teach you that the Lord rejoices over every effort we make to come closer to Him?
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord’s love more deeply during a moment of sincere prayer and repentance. How did that experience change your perspective on His patience and kindness?
- Think of a time when you studied scriptures or talks about repentance that shifted how you understood its role in God’s plan. How did that understanding inspire you to embrace repentance more fully?
- Think of a time when you were surprised by how quickly peace came after choosing to repent. How did that moment help you realize that the Lord wants us to feel joy as soon as we turn to Him?
- Think of a time when you recognized that the Lord’s arms were still open to you, even after making a mistake. How did feeling His mercy motivate you to keep growing and improving?
Joy comes from helping others come unto Christ.
Engaging Questions:
- What does Doctrine and Covenants 18:15–16 teach about the joy that comes from helping others come unto Christ? How have you experienced this joy?
- Why do you think sharing the gospel brings lasting happiness, both to the person sharing and to the one receiving it?
- Have you ever helped someone grow closer to Christ, even in small ways? How did that experience make you feel?
- What are some simple, everyday ways you can help others feel Christ’s love without directly preaching or teaching?
- How can serving others or showing kindness be a way of helping them come unto Christ?
- What personal talents or spiritual gifts do you have that could help you share Christ’s message with others?
- What obstacles sometimes prevent you from sharing the gospel, and how can you overcome them?
- How does seeing others experience joy in Christ strengthen your own faith and testimony?
- What do you think it means to be a disciple of Christ when it comes to helping others come unto Him?
- What’s one thing you can do this week to help someone take even a small step closer to Christ?
Object Lessons:
1. Passing the Light
Materials:
- Several candles (or battery-operated tea lights for safety)
- A long match or lighter
Lesson Overview:
Light one candle to represent the light of Christ in your life. Then, use that candle to light additional ones. As each candle is lit, explain that helping others come unto Christ is like sharing your light—the more you share, the brighter the collective glow becomes, filling hearts with joy.
Discussion Points:
- How does one light spreading to others remind you of the gospel’s influence?
- In what ways have you experienced joy when sharing your faith with someone else?
2. Ripple Effect in Water
Materials:
- A clear bowl or container of water
- A small stone
Lesson Overview:
Drop the stone into the water and watch the ripples spread outward. Explain that each act of kindness or sharing of the gospel creates ripples that can touch many lives. Just as a small stone can create waves, even a small effort to help someone come unto Christ can have a powerful, far-reaching impact that brings joy to all.
Discussion Points:
- What are some “small acts” that have led to big changes in your life?
- How do you think your actions can ripple out to help others feel Christ’s love?
3. Bridge Building
Materials:
- A set of building blocks or simple craft supplies (e.g., popsicle sticks and glue)
Lesson Overview:
Work together as a group to build a small bridge. As you construct the bridge, discuss how it symbolizes helping others overcome obstacles on their path to Christ. Each block or stick represents a small act of service, and when connected, they form a structure that supports and uplifts.
Discussion Points:
- What “obstacles” might someone face on their journey to Christ?
- How does helping to remove these obstacles bring mutual joy to both the helper and the one being helped?
4. Puzzle Pieces
Materials:
- A simple jigsaw puzzle with distinct pieces
Lesson Overview:
Distribute several puzzle pieces to participants and then work together to complete the picture. Emphasize that every piece is unique and essential. In the same way, every person’s journey to Christ is important—and when we help one another, the complete picture of God’s work in our lives is revealed, filling us with joy.
Discussion Points:
- How does every person’s unique contribution complete the “puzzle” of the church?
- How can we actively help one another feel valued and supported on their spiritual journey?
5. Seed Planting
Materials:
- A few seeds (such as sunflower or bean seeds)
- Small containers with soil
- Watering cups
Lesson Overview:
Invite participants to plant a seed in soil, symbolizing a soul’s potential when nurtured by the gospel. Explain that just as a seed needs care to grow into a flourishing plant, people need love, support, and the light of Christ to develop spiritually. The joy we feel is reflected in the growth and transformation of those we help.
Discussion Points:
- What small “nurturing” actions can lead to spiritual growth?
- How does witnessing someone’s growth in faith bring you joy?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you shared your testimony of Jesus Christ with someone. How did that experience bring you a sense of joy and strengthen your own faith?
- Think of a time when you invited someone to church, an activity, or a gospel discussion. How did extending that invitation help you feel the joy of participating in Christ’s work?
- Think of a time when you witnessed someone you care about make a covenant with Christ, like baptism or temple ordinances. How did their commitment fill you with joy?
- Think of a time when you offered simple service or kindness that helped someone feel the Savior’s love. How did seeing their response deepen your understanding of Christ’s joy?
- Think of a time when you prayed for an opportunity to help someone come closer to Christ, and the Lord provided a way. How did following that prompting bless both you and the person you helped?
- Think of a time when you shared a scripture, talk, or spiritual insight that helped someone through a difficult time. How did that moment help you feel the joy of lifting others closer to Christ?
- Think of a time when you participated in temple or family history work and felt connected to those on the other side of the veil. How did that experience help you feel the eternal joy of bringing souls unto Christ?
- Think of a time when you saw someone’s life change because they embraced the gospel. How did witnessing their transformation increase your desire to help others find the Savior?
- Think of a time when you helped someone recognize their divine worth and the Savior’s love for them. How did their realization bring both of you closer to Christ?
- Think of a time when you worked with others in a calling, mission, or service project to help someone come unto Christ. How did the shared effort magnify your joy and build unity?
I can hear the Lord’s voice in the scriptures.
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you to “hear the Lord’s voice” through the scriptures (Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–36)?
- Have you ever had an experience where a scripture seemed to speak directly to your situation or question? How did it impact you?
- How can studying the scriptures regularly help you better recognize the voice of the Lord in your life?
- Doctrine and Covenants 18:36 teaches that the words of the Lord are “of no private interpretation.” How can this principle help us understand God’s message in the scriptures?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in helping you hear the Lord’s voice while studying the scriptures?
- What are some strategies you use to make scripture study more meaningful and personal?
- How can you apply the scriptures to modern challenges and questions you face today?
- Why do you think the Lord speaks through scriptures rather than giving us direct answers every time we pray?
- How can group scripture study (like in family, seminary, or church classes) help you better understand the Lord’s voice?
- What is one scripture that has brought you peace or direction, and how has it shaped your relationship with Christ?
Object Lessons:
1. The Telephone Connection
Materials:
- Two paper or plastic cups
- A length of string
Lesson Overview:
Connect the two cups with the string to form a simple “telephone.” Have one person speak into one cup while another listens at the other end. Explain that just as the message travels along the string, the scriptures serve as the connection between us and the Lord. When we “tune in” and listen with open hearts, we can receive His message.
Discussion Points:
- How does this simple telephone show the importance of connection and clear communication?
- What can we do to ensure we’re “tuned in” to the scriptures in our daily lives?
2. Tuning the Radio
Materials:
- A small radio (or an image/diagram of one if a radio isn’t available)
Lesson Overview:
Discuss how a radio must be tuned to the correct frequency to hear a clear signal. Explain that our hearts work in a similar way: by studying, praying, and pondering the scriptures, we “tune” our spiritual senses to hear the gentle voice of the Lord. Without this intentional tuning, the message may be lost in static or distraction.
Discussion Points:
- What are some distractions that might keep us from hearing God’s voice in the scriptures?
- How can we “tune in” better, just like adjusting the dial on a radio?
3. The Whisper of Scripture
Materials:
- A Bible or a scripture book
- A quiet space (or dim lighting)
Lesson Overview:
Invite participants to join in a brief moment of quiet reflection. Read a scripture softly and slowly so that the words seem like a gentle whisper. Emphasize that sometimes the Lord’s voice in the scriptures isn’t loud or dramatic—it’s subtle, like a whisper that only our attentive hearts can hear.
Discussion Points:
- How does the quiet reading help us notice details we might otherwise miss?
- Can you recall a moment when you felt the scriptures spoke to you in a gentle, personal way?
4. Amplifying the Message
Materials:
- A small speaker or a simple sound amplifier (even a demonstration using a microphone can work)
Lesson Overview:
Demonstrate how a soft sound can be amplified to reach a wider area. Compare this to how the scriptures, when studied with care and contemplation, amplify God’s message in our lives. Even if the initial voice seems quiet, its impact can be vast if we allow it to resonate within us.
Discussion Points:
- How can we “amplify” the lessons we learn from the scriptures in our daily actions?
- What practices (prayer, discussion, journaling) help ensure that the Lord’s words echo in our hearts?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when a specific scripture felt like it was written just for you. How did hearing the Lord’s voice through that verse bring you peace or direction?
- Think of a time when you were struggling with a decision and found clarity while reading the scriptures. How did the Lord’s voice guide you through that experience?
- Think of a time when a familiar scripture suddenly took on new meaning for you. How did the Spirit help you hear the Lord’s voice in a deeper way?
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord’s love for you through a passage of scripture. How did that moment strengthen your testimony of His personal care?
- Think of a time when you were reading the scriptures and felt a strong prompting to act or change something in your life. How did following that prompting bless you?
- Think of a time when you found comfort during a trial through scripture study. How did the Lord’s voice bring peace and strength during that difficult time?
- Think of a time when you felt inspired to share a scripture with someone else, and it was exactly what they needed. How did that experience deepen your belief that the Lord speaks through His word?
- Think of a time when you were teaching or studying the scriptures and the Spirit helped you understand a principle more clearly. How did that insight help you feel closer to the Savior?
- Think of a time when you found an answer to prayer through the scriptures. How did hearing the Lord’s voice in His word help you trust Him more?
- Think of a time when reading the scriptures filled you with unexpected joy or peace. How did that moment help you see the scriptures as a living, personal source of revelation?
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