In this article, weʻll be deep diving into Doctrine and Covenants 19. To download our free lesson help + customizable Canva Template, click here: https://otherthanamom.myflodesk.com/dandc19
“I, God, am endless.”
Engaging Questions:
- What do you think it means when the Lord says, “I, God, am endless” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:10)? How does this truth bring you comfort?
- How does understanding that God is eternal change the way you view His plan for you?
- Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19 describes Christ’s Atonement as an infinite sacrifice. How does knowing that God’s love and mercy are endless affect your personal relationship with Him?
- What does it mean to you that God’s blessings and promises are eternal? How does this perspective help you through difficult times?
- How can remembering God’s eternal nature help you develop patience and trust in His timing for your life?
- What scriptures or personal experiences have strengthened your faith in God’s infinite power and love?
- How can we share the message of God’s endless love and mercy with those who feel distant from Him?
- What does Doctrine and Covenants 19 teach about repentance and forgiveness? How does God’s eternal nature make repentance possible?
- How can we develop a more eternal perspective in our daily decisions and challenges?
- What is one thing you can do this week to strengthen your trust in God’s endless wisdom, love, and plan for you?
Object Lessons:
1. The Infinite Circle
Materials:
- A simple ring (wedding ring, bracelet, or rubber band)
- A drawing of a circle (or have participants draw one)
Lesson Overview:
Show a ring or draw a circle and ask, “Where does it start? Where does it end?” Explain that, like a circle, God has no beginning or end. His love and existence are eternal.
Discussion Points:
- How does knowing that God is endless bring you comfort?
- How does this change the way we trust in His plan?
2. Never-Ending Rope
Materials:
- A long rope or string (if possible, one that can be coiled to look infinite)
Lesson Overview:
Hold one end of the rope and let the rest dangle or stretch it across the room. Ask participants to find the beginning and end. Then, explain that while the rope has an end, God does not. Imagine if the rope extended forever—this is how God’s existence and love work.
Discussion Points:
- How does understanding that God has no limits help us trust in His promises?
- What does it mean for us that God’s mercy is infinite?
3. The Stars and the Universe
Materials:
- A picture of the night sky or a telescope (optional)
Lesson Overview:
Show a picture of space and discuss how the universe has no known end. Scientists have yet to find the “edge” of space, just as we cannot comprehend the full extent of God’s power, knowledge, and love.
Discussion Points:
- How does looking at the vastness of space help us understand God’s eternal nature?
- What does it mean to have faith in something greater than we can see?
4. Endless Water Flow
Materials:
- A small cup and a pitcher of water
- A large bowl
Lesson Overview:
Pour water from the pitcher into the cup until it overflows into the bowl. Explain that God’s love, mercy, and knowledge are like this water—never-ending and always more than we can hold. Even when we think we’ve received all we can, He continues to pour out His blessings.
Discussion Points:
- How does this help us understand God’s endless love?
- In what ways have you seen God’s endless mercy in your life?
5. A Candle That Lights Others
Materials:
- One large candle and several smaller candles (or battery-operated tea lights)
Lesson Overview:
Light one candle, then use it to light others without the first candle’s flame diminishing. Explain that God’s power is endless; He can share His light with everyone without ever running out.
Discussion Points:
- How does this demonstrate God’s infinite power?
- What does it mean for us to reflect God’s light in our own lives?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by a challenge but found peace in knowing that God’s power and love are endless. How did trusting in His eternal nature help you move forward?
- Think of a time when you felt distant from God but realized He was always there for you. How did understanding His endless patience and mercy change your perspective?
- Think of a time when you received an answer to prayer in an unexpected but perfect way. How did that experience remind you that God’s wisdom and understanding are infinite?
- Think of a time when you struggled to forgive yourself but found comfort in knowing that Christ’s Atonement is infinite. How did that realization help you heal and move forward?
- Think of a time when you witnessed or experienced a miracle, big or small. How did that moment testify to you of God’s endless power?
- Think of a time when studying the scriptures deepened your understanding of God’s eternal nature. How did learning about His unchanging character strengthen your faith?
- Think of a time when you lost something or someone dear but found hope in the knowledge of God’s eternal plan. How did that perspective help you endure?
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord’s infinite patience as you tried to improve or change. How did recognizing His long-suffering love help you keep going?
- Think of a time when you saw God’s hand in your life over time, realizing He had a plan all along. How did that experience increase your trust in His endless wisdom?
- Think of a time when you felt the power of an eternal truth—such as eternal families, everlasting life, or Christ’s unending love. How did that truth bring you peace and confidence?
Jesus Christ suffered so that I can repent and come unto Him.
Engaging Questions:
- What do you learn from Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19 about why Jesus Christ chose to suffer for us? How does this affect your relationship with Him?
- How does understanding Christ’s suffering help you view repentance as a gift rather than a burden?
- What does it mean to you personally that Christ suffered “so that [you] might not suffer” if you repent (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16)?
- Have you ever experienced peace or relief after sincerely repenting? How did that strengthen your testimony of the Atonement?
- How can remembering Christ’s Atonement help you when you feel unworthy or discouraged?
- What role does faith play in fully accepting the Savior’s sacrifice and allowing it to change your life?
- How does coming unto Christ through repentance bring lasting joy? How have you seen this in your life?
- What can you do to make repentance a regular, uplifting part of your daily relationship with Jesus Christ?
- How can you help others understand that repentance is about love and healing rather than punishment?
- What is one thing you can do this week to show your gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice by repenting and coming closer to Him?
Object Lessons:
1. The Stained Cloth and Clean Water
Materials:
- A white cloth (represents our souls)
- A bowl of water with dirt/food coloring mixed in (represents sin)
- A second bowl of clean water with soap (represents Christ’s cleansing power)
Lesson Overview:
Dip the white cloth into the dirty water, showing how sin stains our souls. Then, wash the cloth in the clean water with soap, illustrating how Christ’s Atonement and repentance cleanse us.
Discussion Points:
- How does sin affect us spiritually?
- What does it feel like to be cleansed through repentance?
- How can we trust Christ’s power to remove our sins?
2. Heavy Backpack (Burdens of Sin)
Materials:
- A backpack filled with heavy objects (books, weights, or rocks)
- A volunteer to wear the backpack
Lesson Overview:
Have a volunteer put on the heavy backpack and try to carry it. Explain that each weight represents sins, regrets, or burdens. Ask them how it feels. Then, remove the heavy items one by one (representing repentance through Christ). Finally, remove the backpack completely to illustrate the relief and joy Christ gives us.
Discussion Points:
- What are some burdens we carry that Christ wants to remove?
- How do we feel when we sincerely repent?
- How does Christ invite us to come unto Him and find rest?
3. Erasing Mistakes (Clean Slate)
Materials:
- A whiteboard or chalkboard
- Markers/chalk and an eraser
Lesson Overview:
Write down sins, mistakes, or regrets (words like “anger,” “dishonesty,” “pride”). Then, erase them one by one as you discuss repentance through Christ. Point out that once erased, the board is clean again—just as repentance removes sin from our lives.
Discussion Points:
- How does true repentance help us feel clean again?
- Why is Christ the only one who can truly erase our sins?
- What does it mean that He remembers our sins no more? (Isaiah 1:18)
4. The Bridge to Christ
Materials:
- A small gap or two tables with a space in between
- A long board, plank, or stack of books
Lesson Overview:
Set up two separate tables (or use chairs) with a gap between them. One side represents us, the other side represents God. The gap represents sin and separation. Try jumping across—it’s impossible! Then, place the board over the gap, symbolizing Christ’s Atonement as the bridge that allows us to return to God.
Discussion Points:
- Why can’t we return to God on our own?
- How is Christ the only way back to the Father? (John 14:6)
- How do we “walk across the bridge” and come unto Him?
5. The Broken and Repaired Heart
Materials:
- A paper heart
- Tape or glue
Lesson Overview:
Tear the paper heart in pieces, explaining that sin, guilt, and mistakes break our hearts. Try taping or gluing it back together, explaining that Christ’s Atonement repairs our brokenness when we repent and come unto Him. Though the heart has scars, it is whole again, just as Christ heals us when we turn to Him.
Discussion Points:
- How does Christ heal our broken hearts when we repent?
- What does it mean to be made “whole” through the Atonement?
- How does repentance bring peace and joy?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt the Savior’s love and mercy as you repented. How did that experience help you understand the depth of His sacrifice for you?
- Think of a time when you struggled with a mistake or regret but found peace through Christ’s Atonement. How did turning to Him help you move forward with hope?
- Think of a time when you felt burdened by guilt or sorrow and experienced the healing power of repentance. How did that moment strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ’s suffering for you?
- Think of a time when you saw someone else’s life change as they embraced Christ’s Atonement. How did witnessing their transformation deepen your faith in His ability to heal and forgive?
- Think of a time when you were weighed down by personal struggles and felt the Savior lifting your burdens. How did that experience teach you about His perfect understanding of your pains?
- Think of a time when you felt distant from God and used prayer, scripture study, or fasting to come back to Him. How did the Savior’s suffering make that return possible?
- Think of a time when you forgave someone who had hurt you. How did remembering Christ’s sacrifice help you extend love and mercy to them?
- Think of a time when you bore testimony of Jesus Christ’s Atonement and felt the Spirit confirm its truth. How did sharing that testimony strengthen your own conviction?
- Think of a time when you studied about Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane and felt a personal connection to it. How did that moment change the way you see repentance?
- Think of a time when you needed strength to overcome temptation or discouragement and turned to the Savior for help. How did His grace give you the power to change or endure?
Peace comes from learning of Jesus Christ and following Him.
Engaging Questions:
- What does Doctrine and Covenants 19:23 teach about how we can find peace in Jesus Christ?
- Have you ever experienced a moment when learning about Christ brought you peace? What happened?
- Why do you think following Christ’s teachings leads to greater peace, even during difficult times?
- What specific things can you do each day to learn more about Christ and feel His peace?
- How has obeying Christ’s commandments helped you find peace in your life?
- What are some challenges or distractions that make it hard to feel Christ’s peace, and how can you overcome them?
- How can sharing what you learn about Christ with others help bring peace into their lives as well?
- What role does prayer play in helping you feel the peace that comes from Christ?
- How can you turn to Christ when you feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed?
- What is one thing you can do this week to follow Christ more closely and invite His peace into your life?
Object Lessons:
1. The Still Water vs. Stirred Water
Materials:
- A clear bowl or glass of water
- A spoon or stirring stick
- A few drops of food coloring or dirt
Lesson Overview:
Show the still water, representing the peace Christ offers. Then, stir it while adding food coloring or dirt, representing distractions, sin, or worldly concerns. The water becomes murky and restless. Stop stirring and let the water settle, explaining that when we turn to Christ, He brings stillness and clarity to our souls.
Discussion Points:
- What things in life “stir up” our emotions and take away our peace?
- How does learning about Jesus Christ help us feel still and calm?
- What can we do to focus on Christ when life feels chaotic?
2. The Lighthouse and the Storm
Materials:
- A flashlight (representing Christ)
- A dark room or area
- A spray bottle with water (optional for dramatic effect)
Lesson Overview:
Turn off the lights, making the room dark. Explain that storms in life (trials, doubts, fear) can make it hard to see clearly. Turn on the flashlight, representing Christ, who guides us safely like a lighthouse. Explain that when we focus on Christ’s teachings, He helps us navigate through life’s storms.
Discussion Points:
- What are some “storms” that take away our peace?
- How does following Christ act as a guiding light?
- What are some ways we can stay focused on His light?
3. The Weighted Balloon
Materials:
- A helium balloon
- Small weights (tied to the balloon, representing burdens)
- Scissors
Lesson Overview:
Hold up a balloon with weights attached, showing how burdens (fear, sin, stress) pull us down. When we learn of Christ and follow Him, He helps lift our burdens. Cut the weights off and let the balloon rise, illustrating the peace that comes from trusting Christ.
Discussion Points:
- What are some burdens that prevent us from feeling peace?
- How does following Christ help us “rise” above life’s worries?
- What burdens can we give to Christ today?
4. Walking in His Footsteps (Trust Exercise)
Materials:
- Paper footprints or chalk to draw a path
- A blindfold
Lesson Overview:
Place footprints leading to a final destination (representing Christ). Choose a volunteer, blindfold them, and have them try to walk alone—they’ll struggle. Then, let another person guide them along the footprints, representing Christ’s teachings.
Discussion Points:
- How does following Christ’s example lead us to peace?
- What happens when we try to go through life without Christ’s guidance?
- How does trusting in Christ help us feel secure and peaceful?
5. The Calm and the Wind (Paper vs. Rock)
Materials:
- A lightweight paper
- A heavy rock or solid object
- A fan or someone blowing air
Lesson Overview:
Place the paper and rock on a table. Blow on them with a fan or by exhaling forcefully. The paper (representing those without Christ) flies away, while the rock (representing those who rely on Christ) stays firm. Explain that learning of Christ gives us stability and peace in turbulent times.
Discussion Points:
- What are some “winds” (challenges, doubts, fears) that try to shake our peace?
- How does Christ help us stand firm?
- How can we build our lives on Christ, the Rock?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed or afraid, but turning to Jesus Christ brought you peace. How did learning about Him or following His teachings help you feel calm and reassured?
- Think of a time when you faced a difficult decision and found peace through prayer and seeking Christ’s guidance. How did trusting Him help you move forward with confidence?
- Think of a time when studying the Savior’s life or teachings brought you comfort during a trial. How did His example help you endure and find hope?
- Think of a time when you forgave someone and felt the peace that comes from following Christ’s command to forgive. How did that experience teach you about His love?
- Think of a time when participating in an ordinance, such as the sacrament or temple worship, filled you with peace. How did that moment deepen your testimony of Christ’s role in your life?
- Think of a time when you felt burdened by stress, guilt, or sorrow, and turning to Christ helped you find relief. How did He help you let go of those heavy feelings?
- Think of a time when you felt peace while listening to a talk, hymn, or testimony about Jesus Christ. How did that experience remind you of His presence in your life?
- Think of a time when you followed a prompting from the Spirit and later felt peace knowing you had done what Christ would have wanted. How did acting in faith bring you closer to Him?
- Think of a time when you bore your testimony of Jesus Christ and felt the Spirit confirm His reality. How did sharing your testimony bring you peace and joy?
- Think of a time when you saw someone else find peace by turning to Christ. How did their example strengthen your own faith in His ability to calm hearts and heal souls?
God’s blessings are greater than the treasures of the earth.
Engaging Questions:
- What does Doctrine and Covenants 19:38 teach about the value of God’s blessings compared to earthly treasures?
- Have you ever had an experience where you chose to follow God instead of seeking worldly rewards? What happened?
- Why do you think it’s sometimes difficult to prioritize spiritual blessings over material things?
- What are some blessings from God that have brought you greater happiness than money or possessions ever could?
- How can focusing on eternal blessings change the way you make decisions in your daily life?
- What does it mean to “lay up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–21)? How can you do this?
- What are some ways we can express gratitude for God’s blessings, even when we may not have everything we want?
- How can we help others recognize the blessings of God when they may be focused on worldly success?
- What are some sacrifices people make to follow Christ, and how do those sacrifices lead to greater joy?
- What is one thing you can do this week to focus more on God’s blessings rather than material possessions?
Object Lessons:
1. The Hidden Treasure vs. Eternal Riches
Materials:
- A small, shiny box (representing earthly treasures)
- A plain box (representing God’s blessings)
- Slips of paper with blessings written on them (e.g., peace, eternal life, joy, family, guidance)
Lesson Overview:
Show both boxes and ask participants which they would choose. Open the shiny box, revealing that it’s empty or contains something temporary (fake money, candy, or a cheap trinket). Then, open the plain box and pull out the slips of paper with spiritual blessings written on them. Discuss how worldly treasures fade while God’s blessings last forever.
Discussion Points:
- Why are we sometimes drawn to material things?
- What spiritual blessings do we receive that money can’t buy?
- How can we seek God’s treasures instead of earthly ones?
2. The Temporary vs. Eternal Light
Materials:
- A flashlight with batteries (representing earthly treasures)
- A candle or battery-operated lamp (representing God’s eternal blessings)
Lesson Overview:
Turn on the flashlight and explain that earthly treasures provide temporary happiness but eventually run out (demonstrate this by removing the batteries). Then, turn on the lamp or candle, symbolizing how God’s blessings bring eternal light that never fades.
Discussion Points:
- What happens when we rely only on material wealth for happiness?
- How does God’s light and love bless us beyond this life?
- How can we focus on eternal blessings rather than temporary things?
3. The Empty vs. Full Cup
Materials:
- Two cups (one small, one large)
- Water
Lesson Overview:
Fill the small cup halfway and say it represents earthly wealth—it may seem like a lot at first, but it’s limited. Then, pour the water into a larger cup and keep pouring until it overflows. Explain that God’s blessings are greater than anything we can imagine and are not limited like earthly possessions.
Discussion Points:
- Why do earthly possessions feel like they will satisfy us but never do?
- What are some ways God “fills our cup” with lasting blessings?
- How can we live in a way that seeks spiritual fulfillment over material gain?
4. The Rusty vs. Eternal Treasure
Materials:
- A shiny coin or piece of jewelry
- A rusted or tarnished object
- A picture of heavenly treasures (family, temple, Christ, etc.)
Lesson Overview:
Show the shiny object and talk about how earthly treasures fade, rust, or lose their value over time. Then, show the rusted or tarnished item as an example of what happens to material things. Compare this with heavenly treasures, which never diminish in value.
Discussion Points:
- What are some things people chase after that don’t last?
- How can we focus on the things that truly bring joy forever?
- What choices lead to lasting spiritual wealth?
5. The Sand vs. The Rock (True Wealth Foundation)
Materials:
- A small pile of sand or sugar
- A solid rock or brick
- A small object to place on each (toy house, coin, or paper figure)
Lesson Overview:
Place the object on the sand and shake the table slightly, making it fall over. Then, place the same object on the rock, showing that it stays firm. Explain that earthly riches are like the sand—unstable and unreliable—while God’s blessings are like the rock—eternal and unshakable.
Discussion Points:
- What does it mean to build our lives on God’s foundation?
- How does relying on God’s blessings give us peace and stability?
- How can we ensure our priorities focus on eternal things?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you had to choose between a worldly opportunity and a spiritual priority. How did trusting in God’s blessings lead to something greater than earthly success?
- Think of a time when you sacrificed something—time, money, comfort, or status—for the Lord. How did you later recognize His blessings were far greater than what you gave up?
- Think of a time when you felt richly blessed in ways that had nothing to do with wealth or material things. How did that experience help you understand what true treasures really are?
- Think of a time when you or someone you know faced financial hardship but saw God’s blessings in unexpected ways. How did the Lord provide for your needs in ways greater than earthly riches?
- Think of a time when you realized that a spiritual gift, such as peace, love, or testimony, was more valuable than anything money could buy. How did that realization change your perspective?
- Think of a time when you received a blessing from obedience to a gospel principle. How did that experience help you trust that God’s rewards are greater than any earthly treasure?
- Think of a time when you witnessed someone give up worldly wealth, recognition, or success to follow Christ. How did their example strengthen your testimony of eternal blessings?
- Think of a time when you felt deep gratitude for something money couldn’t buy—a family relationship, personal revelation, or the Atonement of Jesus Christ. How did that experience help you see God’s hand in your life?
- Think of a time when you saw the contrast between worldly success and spiritual fulfillment. How did that experience help you desire the blessings that only God can give?
- Think of a time when you recognized the eternal blessings of keeping a commandment, such as paying tithing, serving a mission, or ministering to others. How did the Lord’s blessings outweigh any worldly sacrifice?
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