If you’re teaching Young Men or Young Women this week, Doctrine and Covenants 64–66 is a powerful reminder of forgiveness, moving forward with faith, and staying loyal to the Lord—even when it’s hard. These sections touch on letting go of past wrongs, doing our duty with diligence, and trusting that the Lord knows our hearts and efforts. To help bring these principles to life in a way that connects with youth, we’ve gathered some engaging questions, creative object lesson ideas, and personal sharing prompts that will spark conversation and invite the Spirit. Whether you have a quiet group or a chatty one, these teaching helps are designed to make your lesson more meaningful, relevant, and memorable.
To download our free Doctrine and Covenants 64-66 Lesson Help + Canva Template, click here: https://otherthanamom.myflodesk.com/dc64-66
“Forgive one another.”
Engaging Questions:
- Why do you think it’s sometimes harder to forgive than to ask for forgiveness?
- Doctrine and Covenants 64:10 says, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.” Why do you think the Lord gave us that commandment?
- Have you ever felt peace after forgiving someone—or being forgiven? What changed for you?
- What are some small steps we can take when we’re struggling to forgive someone?
- Why is it important to forgive ourselves as well as others?
- What happens to our hearts and minds when we hold on to grudges?
- How does forgiving someone show faith in Jesus Christ?
- Can you think of a Christlike example of forgiveness from the scriptures or someone you know personally?
- What are the differences between forgiving someone and allowing them to continue hurting you?
- How can the Savior help us forgive when it feels impossible to do so on our own?
Object Lessons:
1. The Heavy Backpack (Carrying Grudges Weighs Us Down)
Materials:
- A backpack
- Several heavy objects (books, rocks, canned food)
Lesson Overview:
Have a volunteer wear the backpack as you add heavy items, each labeled with things like “hurt,” “anger,” “betrayal.” Ask how it feels. Then begin removing the items one by one, labeling each as an act of forgiveness. Point out how forgiveness lightens our burdens—even if the other person never apologizes.
Discussion Points:
- Who carries the weight when we don’t forgive?
- How does forgiveness bless us even more than the person we forgive?
2. The Stained Cloth and the Clean Water (Forgiveness Cleans the Hurt)
Materials:
- A white cloth
- Some kind of washable stain (e.g., washable marker, dirt)
- A bowl of water and mild soap
Lesson Overview:
Stain the cloth to represent an offense. As you wash it, discuss how forgiveness, like cleansing, doesn’t always remove the scar immediately, but it begins the healing. Holding onto anger only sets the stain deeper.
Discussion Points:
- Is forgiveness always instant? What does the process look like?
- What role does Christ’s Atonement play in this “cleansing”?
3. The Uncut String (Cutting the Cycle of Hurt)
Materials:
- A length of yarn or string
- A pair of scissors
Lesson Overview:
Tie the string between two people’s wrists (loosely). Tug gently back and forth to simulate how holding a grudge binds both sides. Then cut the string. Explain that forgiveness breaks the cycle—not by excusing the hurt, but by releasing the hold it has over us.
Discussion Points:
- Why is forgiveness freeing for both people involved?
- What does it feel like to be spiritually “tied” to someone by offense?
4. The Erased Board (Forgive Like Christ Does)
Materials:
- A whiteboard or chalkboard
- Marker or chalk
- Eraser
Lesson Overview:
Write offenses on the board: “They lied,” “They embarrassed me,” “They weren’t fair.” Then read Doctrine and Covenants 64:10 (“I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men”) and erase the board. Talk about how Christ wipes the slate clean, and invites us to do the same.
Discussion Points:
- Is forgiveness pretending something never happened?
- What happens to our heart when we refuse to erase?
5. The Moldy Bread (Holding on to Anger Spoils the Soul)
Materials:
- A slice of bread left out to mold (or a photo of moldy bread)
Lesson Overview:
Explain how bread spoils if left unattended—like anger or resentment. Holding on to offenses spoils our spirit, making it harder to feel the Spirit. Forgiveness preserves our spiritual health.
Discussion Points:
- What happens when we “feed” a grudge over time?
- What helps you let go of resentment before it festers?
6. The Two Cups (Forgive to Be Forgiven)
Materials:
- Two clear cups
- One labeled “God Forgives Me” and the other “I Forgive Others”
- Water and a small sponge or dropper
Lesson Overview:
Fill the “God Forgives Me” cup as you drip water into “I Forgive Others.” Teach that our ability to receive forgiveness is tied to our willingness to extend it. Refer to the Lord’s teachings in Matthew 6 and D&C 64.
Discussion Points:
- Why does God ask us to forgive before He forgives us?
- How does forgiving others prepare us to feel God’s mercy?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when someone forgave you. How did that act of mercy impact your relationship and your heart?
- Think of a time when you found it hard to forgive. What helped you eventually let go, and what changed as a result?
- Think of a time when forgiving someone brought unexpected peace or healing. How did the Spirit help you move forward?
- Think of a time when you held onto anger or hurt for a while. What helped you finally release it?
- Think of a time when you chose to forgive even though the other person didn’t apologize. What did that experience teach you about Christlike love?
- Think of a time when a prayer helped soften your heart toward someone who had wronged you. What did the Lord teach you?
- Think of a time when you needed to forgive yourself. How did you feel the Savior’s help in doing so?
- Think of a time when a small act of kindness opened the door to forgiveness. What happened, and how did it change things?
- Think of a time when someone’s example of forgiveness inspired you to do the same. What did you learn from watching them?
- Think of a time when forgiving someone helped you feel closer to Jesus Christ. How did that experience deepen your understanding of His Atonement?
The Lord asks for my “heart and a willing mind.”
Engaging Questions:
- What do you think it means to give the Lord your “heart and a willing mind”?
- How is giving your heart to the Lord different from just following rules?
- Can you think of a time when you felt truly willing to do whatever the Lord asked of you? What helped you feel that way?
- Why do you think the Lord values willingness—even more than perfection?
- What’s one area of your life where you feel like your heart is fully committed to the Lord? What’s one area you’re still working on?
- Have you ever seen someone give their heart to the Lord in a quiet but powerful way? What did that look like?
- What do you think keeps people (including ourselves) from having a willing mind when it comes to the Lord’s commandments?
- How does choosing to be willing—even when it’s hard—open the door for spiritual growth?
- What role does trust in God play in being truly willing to follow Him?
- What’s one way you can offer your heart and mind more fully to the Lord this week?
Object Lessons:
1. The Two Gifts (Going Through the Motions vs. True Offering)
Materials:
- Two gift boxes:
- One filled with meaningful items (like a heart cutout, note, or symbolic object)
- One filled with junk or empty wrappers
Lesson Overview:
Explain that both gifts were offered—but only one came with intent and sincerity. Similarly, the Lord isn’t just looking for outward action. He wants our whole hearts and minds, not just half-hearted checklists.
Discussion Points:
- When do we give God just the “leftovers”?
- What does a “willing mind” look like in everyday life?
2. The Clay and the Rock (Being Moldable)
Materials:
- A lump of clay or playdough
- A rock or hard object
Lesson Overview:
Try shaping the clay—then try shaping the rock. The clay yields because it’s soft and willing. The rock resists. Teach that a willing mind is like moldable clay in the Lord’s hands—ready to be taught, corrected, and used.
Discussion Points:
- What makes our hearts more “soft” toward God?
- When have you felt the Lord shape your life because you were willing?
3. The Unplugged Lamp (No Power Without Connection)
Materials:
- A lamp or phone charger
- A nearby power outlet
Lesson Overview:
Show that a lamp (representing actions) is useless unless plugged in (representing the heart and mind connected to Christ). Even if it looks good, without that inner connection, it has no power.
Discussion Points:
- What helps you stay “plugged in” spiritually?
- Why isn’t it enough just to do good things outwardly?
4. The Willing Hand vs. Dragged Feet (Attitude Matters)
Materials:
- Two volunteers: one to eagerly help, one who is slow and reluctant
Lesson Overview:
Assign both a small task (like handing something to someone), but have one act eager and the other dragging their feet. Compare results. Talk about how the Lord notices our attitude, not just our behavior.
Discussion Points:
- How does your mindset affect how the Lord can use you?
- When have you felt joy from serving willingly?
5. The Puzzle with a Missing Piece (Our Full Heart Completes the Picture)
Materials:
- A puzzle with one key piece missing
- (You can hide the final piece and reveal it at the end)
Lesson Overview:
Show the nearly complete puzzle and ask what’s missing. Then place the final piece—shaped like a heart. Explain that even if we do many good things, without giving our full heart and will to the Lord, the picture of discipleship is incomplete.
Discussion Points:
- What “pieces” of our heart do we sometimes hold back?
- What happens when we fully surrender to God’s will?
6. The Two Drivers (One Willing, One Resistant)
Materials:
- A toy steering wheel, or draw two roads
- Optional: two labeled volunteers (“Heart and Mind,” “Reluctant Spirit”)
Lesson Overview:
Describe how a willing heart and mind act like a driver ready to follow directions. The other driver ignores the map or GPS (Spirit) and gets lost. The Lord can guide us only if we want to be guided.
Discussion Points:
- When have you changed your course because the Spirit prompted you?
- What does it mean to “yield” your will to God?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord ask you to do something that stretched you. What helped you say yes with a willing heart?
- Think of a time when you gave your whole heart to a calling or assignment. What blessings came from that effort?
- Think of a time when your willingness mattered more than your ability. How did the Lord magnify your offering?
- Think of a time when you held back spiritually—and then chose to offer more. What changed when you gave the Lord your whole heart?
- Think of a time when you felt joy in simply being willing to follow the Lord. What did that experience teach you about discipleship?
- Think of a time when your mindset made all the difference in your service. How did a willing heart open the way for the Spirit?
- Think of a time when the Lord accepted your effort, even if it wasn’t perfect. How did you feel His approval?
- Think of a time when someone else’s willing heart inspired you to offer more to the Lord. What did their example teach you?
- Think of a time when you prayed for a more willing heart. How did the Lord answer that prayer?
- Think of a time when giving your heart to the Lord brought unexpected blessings. How did that act of surrender draw you closer to Him?
“The heart and a willing mind”
Engaging Questions:
- What does the phrase “a heart and a willing mind” mean to you personally?
- Why do you think the Lord asks for both—not just one or the other?
- What’s the difference between doing something out of obligation and doing it with a willing heart?
- Can you share a time when you felt your heart and mind were truly aligned with the Lord’s will? What was the result?
- What helps you become more willing when you’re hesitant to do something the Lord asks?
- Are there parts of your heart or mind that you find harder to give to the Lord? Why do you think that is?
- In what ways have you seen the Lord bless people who serve Him with full purpose of heart and willing intent?
- How can we tell when we are holding back our heart or resisting the Lord mentally or emotionally?
- What helps you soften your heart when it feels hard or closed off to spiritual things?
- What’s one way you can offer your heart and a willing mind to the Lord this week—in school, work, church, or your relationships?
Object Lessons:
1. The Robot vs. the Disciple (Obedience with Heart)
Materials:
- A toy robot or printed picture
- A heart cutout and a brain cutout
Lesson Overview:
Show that a robot obeys commands but feels nothing and thinks nothing for itself. Then compare that to what the Lord wants: disciples who follow Him with both their hearts (love, sincerity) and minds (willingness to learn and choose). We’re not robots—we’re meant to act with devotion and understanding.
Discussion Points:
- How does our obedience change when it’s motivated by love?
- What does it mean to offer God both your heart and your mind?
2. The Half-Filled Cup (Only Giving Part of Ourselves)
Materials:
- A glass cup
- Water
Lesson Overview:
Fill the cup halfway. Ask if that’s “enough.” Then fill it to the top. Teach that the Lord doesn’t want half-hearted discipleship. A willing mind and a full heart represent our complete offering, not just partial commitment.
Discussion Points:
- What does giving our “whole heart” look like in real life?
- Are there areas where we’re only half-committed?
3. The Locked vs. Open Door (A Willing Mind Opens to Revelation)
Materials:
- A picture of a door (or use a real one)
- A sign that says “locked” and another that says “open”
Lesson Overview:
Explain that a willing mind is like an open door—it allows the Spirit to come in and teach. An unwilling or prideful mind stays locked. The Lord can only guide us when we are open to learning and acting.
Discussion Points:
- How do we “unlock” our hearts and minds to the Lord?
- What might keep someone spiritually closed off?
4. The Offering Tray (Giving What Matters Most)
Materials:
- An empty tray or small box
- Small tokens labeled with “time,” “attention,” “talent,” “testimony”
Lesson Overview:
Place tokens one by one into the tray to represent offering pieces of yourself. Talk about how the Lord wants not just our outward service, but our real desires, efforts, and openness to change.
Discussion Points:
- What might be missing from your spiritual “offering”?
- How does a willing heart show in the way we serve others?
5. The Tied Shoe (Effort Without Willingness)
Materials:
- A shoelace or a shoe
Lesson Overview:
Demonstrate someone tying a shoe without actually finishing it or doing it carelessly. Explain that we can go through the motions of spiritual life—praying, attending church—but without the right mindset and heart, the effort is incomplete, like a loose shoelace.
Discussion Points:
- How do we “tie our shoes spiritually” with care and purpose?
- What happens when our heart isn’t really in what we’re doing?
6. The Seed and the Soil (Heart = Soil, Mind = Willing Gardener)
Materials:
- A seed
- A cup of soil
- A small shovel or spoon
Lesson Overview:
Explain that the heart is like the soil where God’s word is planted. A willing mind is the gardener who tends it. Without both, nothing grows. We need a soft heart and a teachable mind for spiritual growth to take root.
Discussion Points:
- What helps keep our hearts soft and minds open?
- How do we “tend” our spiritual garden?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to serve and said yes, even when it was inconvenient. How did that willingness bless you or someone else?
- Think of a time when your heart was in the right place, even if you didn’t feel fully qualified. How did the Lord make up the difference?
- Think of a time when you wanted to be more committed to the Lord. What did you do to give Him more of your heart?
- Think of a time when you struggled to feel willing, but you prayed for help. How did the Lord soften or change your heart?
- Think of a time when you gave your best effort out of love for God. How did that offering bring peace or growth?
- Think of a time when you noticed a difference between doing something out of duty and doing it with a willing heart. What changed?
- Think of a time when you learned something that helped you willingly align your will with the Lord’s. How did that feel?
- Think of a time when someone else served with a willing heart and it inspired you. What did their example teach you?
- Think of a time when giving your heart and mind to the Lord helped you through a hard situation. What did you learn from the experience?
- Think of a time when you asked the Lord to help you become more willing. How did He answer your prayer?
Zion shall be “an ensign unto the people.”
Engaging Questions:
- What do you think the word “ensign” means in this scripture? How would you explain it to a friend?
- What does it mean for Zion to be something people look to or gather around?
- What qualities or values make Zion a light to others in a dark world?
- Have you ever seen someone be an “ensign”—a righteous example—for others? What did they do?
- How can we help build Zion wherever we are—at home, at school, online, or in our ward?
- What do you think a Zion-like community would feel like? What are some signs that a group of people is striving to become Zion?
- Why do you think the Lord wants His people to stand out as an example to the world? What responsibilities come with that?
- How can we invite others to “gather” to Zion without making them feel pressured or judged?
- What obstacles keep us from becoming a Zion people today? How can we overcome them?
- If Zion is meant to be an ensign, how does your personal example help fulfill that prophecy? What do you feel inspired to do about it?
Object Lessons:
1. The Flag on the Hill (An Ensign That Can Be Seen)
Materials:
- A flag or banner
- Something to raise it up (a stick, dowel, or chair)
Lesson Overview:
Display the flag and raise it up where all can see. Ask: “What is a flag for?” It gathers people, signals safety or identity, and shows where to look. Zion—as the pure in heart and the Church—is meant to be a visible standard that draws people to Christ.
Discussion Points:
- What does it look like to “lift” Zion in your daily life?
- How can you be part of making the Church a place others want to gather?
2. The Lighthouse (Guiding Others to Safety)
Materials:
- A flashlight or lamp
- A darkened room (optional for impact)
Lesson Overview:
Turn on the light and explain that just like a lighthouse warns of danger and guides ships to safety, Zion is a spiritual lighthouse. It stands out from the world and points people toward Jesus Christ and eternal safety.
Discussion Points:
- How is the Church like a lighthouse?
- What happens when we dim our light instead of lifting it?
3. The Beacon Fire (One Light Starts Many)
Materials:
- Several tea lights or candles
Lesson Overview:
Light one candle, then use it to light the others. Explain how ancient communities lit beacon fires to warn or gather. One light becomes many. Zion starts in hearts, families, and branches—but together we can shine to the nations.
Discussion Points:
- How can your example “light” someone else’s faith?
- What’s the effect of many small lights together?
4. The Compass (Zion as a Spiritual North)
Materials:
- A compass (or image of one)
Lesson Overview:
Show how a compass always points north. Zion, like the gospel, provides direction in a confused world. We live in a time of shifting values, but the standards of Zion are constant and true.
Discussion Points:
- How is living gospel standards like pointing to “true north”?
- What does it mean to be part of God’s spiritual compass to the world?
5. The Umbrella (Zion as Shelter)
Materials:
- An umbrella
Lesson Overview:
Open the umbrella and invite people to gather under it. Explain that Zion is not only a sign, but a shelter. When we unite in faith, obedience, and love, we create a place where others find refuge from spiritual storms.
Discussion Points:
- What do we need to do to make the Church a “shelter”?
- How can your ward or family be more like Zion?
6. The Signpost (Pointing the Way Home)
Materials:
- A simple signpost or arrow labeled “Zion” or “Christ”
Lesson Overview:
Use the signpost to show how Zion isn’t the destination, but a sign that points to it. As a people, we are called to point others to Christ, helping them find His peace and promises.
Discussion Points:
- Are our lives pointing people to Christ?
- What distractions might pull people off the path—and how can Zion help?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt drawn to a group of Saints who lived the gospel in a way that inspired you. What made that place or group feel like Zion?
- Think of a time when your ward or community stood as a light or example to others. How did that experience strengthen your testimony?
- Think of a time when you felt called to stand out and represent your faith. What did you learn about being a disciple of Christ?
- Think of a time when you saw someone drawn to the gospel because of how others lived it. What impact did that example have?
- Think of a time when you were blessed by the unity and love of a Zion-like group. How did that affect your desire to build Zion?
- Think of a time when you shared your beliefs in a way that uplifted or helped someone. How did you feel the Spirit guiding you?
- Think of a time when someone described the Church or its members as a source of peace or strength. How did that reflect the idea of Zion as an ensign?
- Think of a time when you tried to create a home or space where others could feel the Spirit. What efforts made the biggest difference?
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord inviting you to help “gather” others to Zion through love or service. How did you respond?
- Think of a time when you imagined what Zion might look like in the future—and what you hope to contribute to it. What did that vision inspire you to do?
The kingdom of God on earth prepares the world for the Savior’s return.
Engaging Questions:
- What does “the kingdom of God on earth” mean to you? How do you see it in action today?
- In what ways does the Church help prepare the world for Jesus Christ’s Second Coming?
- Why do you think the Lord uses ordinary people like us to help prepare the world for something so extraordinary?
- What signs or evidence do you see that the Lord’s kingdom is growing on the earth?
- What’s one thing you personally can do to help prepare the world—or your own community—for the Savior’s return?
- How do temple work, missionary efforts, and ministering all help build the kingdom of God?
- How does knowing that we’re preparing for the Second Coming change the way you view daily life or your priorities?
- What does it look like to be “spiritually prepared” for Christ’s return? What are some small, consistent actions that help?
- How can we help others feel hope and not fear when they think about the Savior coming again?
- If Jesus returned today, what would you be glad you were doing to help build His kingdom? What might you want to start doing differently?
Object Lessons:
1. The Countdown Clock (Preparation Matters)
Materials:
- A countdown timer or alarm clock
Lesson Overview:
Set the timer and start it ticking. Ask, “What if we knew exactly when the Savior would return—how would we prepare?” Then explain that even without knowing the day, we are part of His work now. The Church—His kingdom on earth—helps the world prepare through missionary work, ordinances, and righteous living.
Discussion Points:
- What are some ways we’re helping the world “get ready”?
- How does living gospel standards show that we’re preparing for His return?
2. The Construction Crew (Building the Kingdom)
Materials:
- A toy building set (like LEGO®), blocks, or a picture of a temple under construction
Lesson Overview:
Build something simple with help from class members. Each block represents service, sharing the gospel, keeping covenants, and other acts of discipleship. Teach that each act contributes to building God’s kingdom, preparing the world for Christ’s return.
Discussion Points:
- How can your actions help “build” God’s kingdom?
- What does it look like to be part of the Lord’s construction crew?
3. The Invitation (Inviting All to the Feast)
Materials:
- A simple invitation card or envelope
Lesson Overview:
Hold up the invitation and explain that the Church is like a messenger preparing the world for a great gathering. The Savior will return in glory, and we’re inviting the world to be ready to meet Him. Missionary work, teaching truth, and temple ordinances are all part of delivering that invitation.
Discussion Points:
- Who do you know that might be waiting for an invitation?
- How does your life reflect that you’re preparing to meet Christ?
4. The Garden Before the Harvest (Work Before the Reward)
Materials:
- A plant in a pot or garden tools
- Seeds or vegetables (real or illustrated)
Lesson Overview:
Talk about how gardens must be planted, nurtured, and weeded long before the harvest. The kingdom of God on earth is like that—we work now to prepare hearts and nations, and the Lord will bring the final harvest at His return.
Discussion Points:
- What are we planting in the world today?
- What weeds must we remove as individuals or as a Church?
5. The Airport Runway Lights (Preparing for a Landing)
Materials:
- A picture of an airplane runway at night
Lesson Overview:
Explain that before a plane can land safely, the runway has to be cleared, aligned, and fully lit. The Church is doing the same thing spiritually—clearing confusion, sharing truth, and lighting the path for the Savior’s return.
Discussion Points:
- What do “runway lights” look like in a gospel sense?
- How are your efforts helping Christ land “safely” in someone’s life?
6. The Dress Rehearsal (Preparing for the Real Event)
Materials:
- A script or costume prop (or just explain)
Lesson Overview:
Describe how in a dress rehearsal, everything is practiced to prepare for the final performance. The kingdom of God on earth isn’t pretend—it’s the real Church—but it also prepares us to live in Christ’s millennial reign. Our obedience now is rehearsal for eternal discipleship.
Discussion Points:
- What habits now are preparing you for Christ’s presence?
- How can you be more intentional in your daily spiritual “rehearsal”?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt like you were helping build the Lord’s kingdom. What were you doing, and how did it feel to be part of something eternal?
- Think of a time when you saw someone come closer to Christ through the efforts of the Church. How did that strengthen your testimony of God’s work?
- Think of a time when you felt urgency to share the gospel or serve more faithfully. What reminded you of the importance of preparing the world for Christ’s return?
- Think of a time when participating in temple or missionary work helped you feel connected to the Lord’s greater plan. What did that experience teach you?
- Think of a time when the Spirit confirmed to you that the Church is preparing the earth for the Second Coming. How did that influence your perspective?
- Think of a time when you were inspired by Church leaders or members who gave their all to God’s work. What impact did their example have on you?
- Think of a time when you were reminded that we are living in the “last days.” How did it affect the way you live or prioritize your time?
- Think of a time when you bore your testimony of Jesus Christ and felt the power of preparing others to receive Him. What was that moment like?
- Think of a time when you looked forward to the Savior’s return with hope, not fear. What gave you that peace?
- Think of a time when you realized your daily actions—however small—contributed to the Lord’s work on earth. How did that change your motivation?
The Lord knows the thoughts of my heart.
Engaging Questions:
- How does it feel to know that the Lord understands not just your actions, but your thoughts and intentions too?
- Can you think of a time when the Lord understood your heart—even when others didn’t?
- What do you think the Lord sees when He looks into your heart right now?
- Why do you think the Lord cares about our desires and not just our outward behavior?
- How can knowing that God sees our hearts help us be more honest with Him in prayer?
- What helps you align the thoughts of your heart with the will of God?
- Are there times when you’ve felt the Lord gently correct or encourage your inner thoughts or feelings? What was that like?
- How can we become more aware of the thoughts in our heart that may need refining or strengthening?
- What does Doctrine and Covenants 64:34 (“Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind”) teach us about how God works with us individually?
- What’s one way you can invite the Lord to shape the thoughts of your heart this week?
Object Lessons:
1. The Wrapped Gift with a Secret Inside
Materials:
- A small wrapped box with something meaningful inside (a heart, a scripture, or a written word like “faith”)
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “Can you tell what’s inside?” After a few guesses, unwrap it and explain: Just as we couldn’t see the inside but it was always there, the Lord sees past what others can’t—He knows what’s in our hearts, even when we try to hide or when others misunderstand us.
Discussion Points:
- How does it feel to know God sees our true intentions?
- What does that mean when we’re trying to change or improve?
2. The Clear vs. Foggy Mirror
Materials:
- A mirror and a way to fog it (breathe on it or spray water)
Lesson Overview:
Show the clear mirror and the foggy mirror. Explain that while people might only see the “foggy” outer version of us, God sees us clearly—our thoughts, desires, fears, and efforts—even when we don’t express them outwardly.
Discussion Points:
- Why is it comforting that God understands us perfectly?
- How can we invite Him into our honest thoughts and struggles?
3. The Heart Monitor (Symbolic)
Materials:
- Picture of a heart monitor or a beeping app (or describe one)
Lesson Overview:
Talk about how heart monitors track what’s going on inside, even when we look calm or fine outside. Similarly, God knows the spiritual condition of our hearts—our love, our pride, our sincerity, and our repentance.
Discussion Points:
- What does God “see” when He looks at your heart right now?
- What does it mean to “let God examine our hearts”?
4. The Invisible Ink Note
Materials:
- A note written in invisible ink (use lemon juice and reveal with heat, or use white crayon on white paper revealed with watercolor)
Lesson Overview:
Show a blank page and ask what it says. Then reveal the hidden message. Teach that God sees the “invisible ink” of our thoughts and feelings—even when no one else can. He knows our private prayers, quiet regrets, and silent joys.
Discussion Points:
- When have you felt understood by God in a way no one else could?
- How does this knowledge influence how you live?
5. The Locked Phone (Only One Knows the Passcode)
Materials:
- A locked phone or tablet
Lesson Overview:
Hold up the phone and ask who can unlock it. Only someone who knows the code can access what’s inside. Explain that God knows our “passcode”—He understands us perfectly, even when we don’t know how to express what we feel or need.
Discussion Points:
- How does prayer help us open up to Him more?
- Why is it important to be honest with God in our thoughts?
6. The Seed in the Soil (Growth Only God Can See)
Materials:
- A planted seed in a cup of dirt (or time-lapse video/image of a sprouting seed)
Lesson Overview:
Hold the cup and ask if it looks like anything is happening. Then explain that just because others can’t see the growth, doesn’t mean nothing’s going on. The Lord sees the intentions and efforts growing quietly in our hearts—even before results show.
Discussion Points:
- When have you felt like God was aware of your inner growth?
- What does this mean when you’re trying but feel unseen?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when the Lord answered a prayer you hadn’t spoken out loud. How did that confirm to you that He knows your heart?
- Think of a time when you felt understood by God, even when others didn’t. What did that experience teach you about His love?
- Think of a time when the Spirit brought peace to your heart in a quiet or personal way. How did you recognize that it was from the Lord?
- Think of a time when you were wrestling with a question or decision, and the answer came in a deeply personal way. How did that reveal God’s awareness of your thoughts?
- Think of a time when you felt vulnerable or unworthy, but the Lord reassured you with His mercy. What helped you feel seen and known?
- Think of a time when the Lord prompted you to do something kind because He knew what someone else needed. How did you feel being part of that?
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to change something in your life—something no one else could see. How did the Lord help you grow through that?
- Think of a time when you weren’t sure how to pray, but the Lord still responded. What did that teach you about how well He knows your heart?
- Think of a time when you saw someone else receive comfort or guidance you knew came from the Lord. How did that deepen your understanding of His awareness?
- Think of a time when the Lord gave you more than you asked for, knowing your deeper hopes or fears. How did that strengthen your trust in Him?
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