If you’re teaching Young Men or Young Women this week, Doctrine and Covenants 81–83 is a great chance to help your youth explore what it means to be faithful, fulfill responsibilities, and care for others—especially those in need. These sections highlight the blessings that come from serving with real intent and the promises the Lord gives to those who keep their covenants. To make your lesson more interactive and personal, we’ve put together a variety of engaging questions, hands-on object lesson ideas, and meaningful sharing prompts. These tools are designed to spark discussion, invite the Spirit, and help your youth see how they can be strong and faithful in their own lives.
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“Thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings.”
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you to do “the greatest good” for others? How is that different from just being nice?
- Who in your life has done the greatest good for you? What did they do that impacted you so much?
- Have you ever felt prompted to serve someone in a small way that turned out to mean a lot to them? What happened?
- What are some ways we can do the greatest good in our families, schools, or communities—starting today?
- How can doing good for others bring you closer to Jesus Christ?
- Why do you think the Lord ties doing good for others so closely with discipleship in D&C 81?
- What spiritual gifts or talents do you have that could be used to bless others more intentionally?
- How can we know what the “greatest good” is in a given situation? What role does the Spirit play?
- How do small, quiet acts of service sometimes end up doing the most good?
- What’s one specific thing you can do this week to bring real good into someone’s life?
Object Lessons:
1. The Lifted Hands
Materials:
- A volunteer to hold up their arms for a long time
- Two helpers
Lesson Overview:
Ask someone to hold their arms out for as long as they can. After a minute, invite two others to come hold their arms up. The task becomes easier with help. Explain this visual comes directly from D&C 81:5—we do the greatest good when we lift and strengthen others.
Discussion Points:
- What are ways we can lift spiritual or emotional burdens?
- When has someone “held up your hands” during a hard time?
2. The Domino Chain of Kindness
Materials:
- Dominoes (or small blocks)
Lesson Overview:
Set up a row of dominoes. Tip the first, and watch them all fall. Now, let each domino represent an act of kindness or encouragement. One small act can start a ripple effect of good in someone’s life—often more than we realize.
Discussion Points:
- Have you ever been blessed by someone who didn’t know they were helping?
- How can a quiet act of service do the “greatest good”?
3. The Taped Finger
Materials:
- Tape or a bandage
Lesson Overview:
Tape two fingers together and ask someone to try to do simple tasks like tying a shoe or writing. Then remove the tape and let them try again. Explain that when people are weighed down, even small things become hard—but our support can free them to act.
Discussion Points:
- What burdens might others be silently carrying?
- How can we help others function better spiritually or emotionally?
4. The Mirror and the Light
Materials:
- A flashlight
- A mirror
Lesson Overview:
Shine the flashlight at the mirror and reflect the light across the room. Explain that Christ is the source of all light and good—but when we serve others, we reflect His love, becoming instruments in His hands to do great good.
Discussion Points:
- How can we reflect Christ’s light in our community?
- What does it feel like to be a vessel for the Savior’s work?
5. The Cold Hand and the Warm Glove
Materials:
- A glove (optional: put it in the freezer beforehand)
Lesson Overview:
Place a hand in the cold glove, then remove it and warm it with someone else’s hand. Discuss how warmth is shared—we cannot warm ourselves as effectively alone. Service is like sharing warmth; it’s something we do together, and it blesses both giver and receiver.
Discussion Points:
- When has someone’s “warmth” changed your day?
- How can we become more aware of who needs “warming”?
6. The Cup of Water
Materials:
- A pitcher and two cups
Lesson Overview:
Pour water from a full cup into an empty one. Discuss how you can’t pour from an empty cup, but once filled (through the Spirit, prayer, and personal faith), you can share abundantly. The greatest good often begins with being filled by Christ so we can serve others.
Discussion Points:
- What fills your spiritual cup so you can serve others?
- How can you make room to notice and meet others’ needs?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to serve someone and later realized how much it meant to them. How did that experience help you see your capacity to do good?
- Think of a time when your simple act of kindness had a bigger impact than you expected. What did that teach you about how the Lord magnifies small efforts?
- Think of a time when you were trying to help just one person, and it led to blessings for many. How did that help you understand the ripple effect of doing good?
- Think of a time when you prayed to know who needed help—and the Lord guided you to someone. What happened when you followed that prompting?
- Think of a time when you used your unique talents or experiences to bless someone else. How did that help you realize God can use you to do great good?
- Think of a time when you saw someone quietly do great good for others. How did their example inspire you to serve more faithfully?
- Think of a time when you felt unsure about your ability to help, but you acted anyway. What was the outcome?
- Think of a time when doing good for someone else brought unexpected joy or healing to you. How did that deepen your understanding of the Savior’s service?
- Think of a time when you felt that the Lord placed you in someone’s life for a reason. What confirmed to you that you were where He needed you to be?
- Think of a time when doing good felt inconvenient or difficult, but you chose to follow the Spirit. How did the Lord bless your efforts?
The Savior has given me much and requires much of me.
Engaging Questions:
- What are some of the greatest blessings the Savior has given you personally?
- How do you feel when you think about the idea that “unto whom much is given much is required” (D&C 82:3)?
- Why do you think the Lord places responsibility on those He trusts with knowledge, blessings, or talents?
- What’s one way the Savior has trusted you with something meaningful—and how have you tried to respond?
- Have you ever felt stretched by a responsibility or calling, only to realize it helped you grow? What did you learn?
- How do you stay motivated to serve and give when it feels hard or inconvenient?
- What are some practical ways you can give more of your time, talents, or love to the Lord this week?
- How can gratitude for what you’ve been given help you accept and embrace what the Lord asks of you?
- What does it look like to “give back” to the Savior in your everyday life?
- What helps you remember that the Savior’s requirements are always paired with His help and strength?
Object Lessons:
1. The Scale of Blessings and Responsibilities
Materials:
- A simple scale or a balanced visual (like a hanger with equal weights)
- Slips of paper with blessings on one side and responsibilities on the other
Lesson Overview:
Place blessings on one side: “forgiveness,” “truth,” “scriptures,” “family,” “priesthood,” etc. Then ask what should go on the other side to keep the scale balanced (e.g., “service,” “obedience,” “ministering,” “sharing the gospel”). Show how blessings and responsibilities are meant to go together.
Discussion Points:
- What blessings have you received from the Savior?
- How can we respond to those gifts with faith and action?
2. The Backpack of Gifts
Materials:
- A backpack filled with labeled items (Bible = truth, flashlight = light, heart = love, compass = guidance, etc.)
Lesson Overview:
Show the backpack and remove each item, explaining what Christ has given us. Then say: “Now that we’ve been given so much, what should we do with it?” Turn it around by having others place “actions” into the pack (e.g., cards labeled “serve,” “testify,” “forgive,” “follow”).
Discussion Points:
- What are you doing with the gifts you’ve received?
- How can we carry our blessings in a way that blesses others?
3. The Talents and the Trust
Materials:
- Coins or paper slips labeled “Talents” (can also be physical talents or spiritual gifts)
Lesson Overview:
Give each person a “talent” and talk about how the Lord gives us each unique blessings and opportunities. Referencing the parable of the talents, show that we’re expected to multiply and use what we’ve been given, not bury it.
Discussion Points:
- How are you using your talents for the Savior’s work?
- Why does the Lord expect effort, not perfection?
4. The Filled Cup
Materials:
- A cup and a pitcher of water
- A second cup
Lesson Overview:
Fill the first cup to overflowing and let it pour into the second cup. Explain that we are filled with the Savior’s love and truth, and because we’ve received so much, we are meant to pour that into others’ lives—not just keep it to ourselves.
Discussion Points:
- How do we let our blessings overflow into service?
- What keeps us from “pouring out” more freely?
5. The Key and the Door
Materials:
- A key and a door prop or picture
Lesson Overview:
Explain that Christ has opened the door to salvation through His Atonement—something we could never unlock ourselves. But once the door is opened, He asks us to walk through it and help others find it too. The gift of access comes with a call to act.
Discussion Points:
- How does knowing Christ gave everything motivate your discipleship?
- What doors has He opened for you?
6. The Blank Check
Materials:
- A blank check labeled “Blessings from Christ” with an unlimited amount
Lesson Overview:
Show that a blank check represents unlimited giving. Christ gave His all. Now, He asks for our hearts and willing minds. With such a gift, much is expected—not out of guilt, but out of love and trust.
Discussion Points:
- What does giving “much” to Christ look like day-to-day?
- How can we better respond to what He’s already given?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed with gratitude for what the Savior has done for you. How did that gratitude influence what you chose to do next?
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord asking more of you than you thought you could give. What helped you say yes?
- Think of a time when serving others felt like a way to give back to the Savior. How did that deepen your love for Him?
- Think of a time when you realized that your blessings came with a responsibility to bless others. How did that shape your decisions?
- Think of a time when you felt the Savior asking you to grow, stretch, or sacrifice. What did you learn about yourself—and about Him?
- Think of a time when remembering what Jesus has given you helped you make a hard choice. What was the result?
- Think of a time when you used your time, resources, or talents to serve because you knew the Lord had trusted you with them. How did it feel to use those gifts for good?
- Think of a time when a trial helped you realize just how much the Savior has given you. How did that experience change your heart?
- Think of a time when keeping a covenant felt especially meaningful. How did remembering what the Savior requires of you help you stay committed?
- Think of a time when you felt joy in giving your best to the Lord. What did that teach you about discipleship?
Commandments are evidence of God’s love for us.
Engaging Questions:
- How does viewing commandments as an act of God’s love change the way you feel about them?
- Can you think of a time when keeping a commandment protected or blessed you in an unexpected way?
- Why do you think God gives us commandments instead of letting us figure everything out on our own?
- Which commandment has helped you feel closest to the Savior? Why?
- What would you say to someone who sees commandments as just a list of restrictions?
- How do commandments help us experience more peace and freedom—not less?
- What’s a commandment you’re currently working on keeping more fully? What motivates you?
- How do commandments help us build stronger relationships with others, not just with God?
- What role does trust play in obeying a commandment that doesn’t immediately make sense to us?
- How can we show gratitude for God’s commandments in the way we live every day?
Object Lessons:
1. Guardrails on a Cliff
Materials:
- Picture of a winding mountain road with guardrails
- Optional: toy car and small model cliff or ramp
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “Why are there guardrails on dangerous roads?” Not to limit drivers, but to protect them from harm. Commandments are like those guardrails—God gives them not to control us, but to keep us safely on the path that leads to joy.
Discussion Points:
- How do commandments keep us safe spiritually, emotionally, and physically?
- When have you seen the Lord’s protection through obedience?
2. The Manual and the Maker
Materials:
- An owner’s manual and a device (like a phone or appliance)
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “Would the creator of this device give you instructions to limit your fun—or to help it function best?” God, as our Creator, gives commandments as a blueprint for living joyfully and meaningfully, not to withhold happiness.
Discussion Points:
- Why is it important to trust the One who designed us?
- What commandment has brought unexpected joy to your life?
3. The Traffic Light
Materials:
- Picture or cutouts of a traffic light (red/yellow/green)
Lesson Overview:
Traffic lights might feel like restrictions, but they’re essential for safety. Without them, there’s chaos. Likewise, commandments are God’s way of providing order, safety, and peace, especially when we don’t see the big picture.
Discussion Points:
- How do commandments create peace in society and in families?
- What would life be like without moral guidance?
4. The Parent’s Rules
Materials:
- A list of simple house rules (like “Be home by 10 p.m.” or “No phones at the dinner table”)
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “Why do loving parents set rules?” Not because they don’t trust or love their children, but because they do. God’s commandments are like that—they’re an expression of His deep, parental love.
Discussion Points:
- How do you feel when someone sets boundaries out of love?
- What does it say about God that He gives us commandments?
5. The Umbrella of Protection
Materials:
- An umbrella
Lesson Overview:
Open the umbrella and explain that standing under it represents living within God’s commandments. The umbrella doesn’t stop the rain—it protects you from its effects. Obedience doesn’t remove life’s trials, but it shields us from unnecessary harm.
Discussion Points:
- What “storms” has obedience helped you weather?
- How do commandments provide spiritual shelter?
6. The Warning Sign
Materials:
- Picture of a warning sign (like “Caution: Slippery When Wet” or “Danger: High Voltage”)
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “Does this sign exist to ruin someone’s day or save their life?” Commandments are often warnings from a loving God. He sees the end from the beginning, and His rules are often merciful protection we don’t fully understand yet.
Discussion Points:
- What commandment once felt hard but later made sense?
- How is obedience an act of trust?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when keeping a commandment protected you from spiritual or physical harm. How did that help you feel God’s love?
- Think of a time when living a commandment brought unexpected peace, joy, or clarity. What did that teach you about why God gives us commandments?
- Think of a time when you were struggling, but a commandment gave you structure, purpose, or direction. How did that show you the Lord’s care?
- Think of a time when obeying a commandment strengthened your relationship with someone else. How did that deepen your gratitude for God’s guidance?
- Think of a time when a commandment helped you become more like Jesus Christ. What growth did you see in yourself?
- Think of a time when you didn’t understand a commandment at first but came to see its blessings. What changed your perspective?
- Think of a time when someone else’s example of cheerful obedience helped you see the commandments in a new light. How did that influence you?
- Think of a time when you taught a child, friend, or new convert about a commandment. How did sharing your experience help you feel God’s love?
- Think of a time when you broke a commandment, repented, and felt the Savior’s mercy. How did that reinforce that commandments are motivated by love?
- Think of a time when you saw how the commandments create peace, unity, and strength in a home or community. What helped you recognize the Lord’s love in that?
The Lord blesses us in His own marvelous ways.
Engaging Questions:
- Can you share a time when a blessing came in a way you didn’t expect—but turned out to be exactly what you needed?
- What do you think makes the Lord’s blessings “marvelous,” even when they’re different from what we asked for?
- Why do you think God sometimes blesses us through other people instead of directly?
- How can we learn to recognize the Lord’s hand in small or quiet ways?
- What helps you stay faithful when blessings don’t come as quickly—or in the way—you hoped?
- Have you ever looked back on a hard time and seen how the Lord was blessing you through it?
- How can expressing gratitude—even before a blessing comes—change your perspective?
- What role does patience play in receiving and recognizing God’s blessings?
- What are some “marvelous” blessings you’ve seen in your family, ward, or community recently?
- How can you be part of the way the Lord blesses someone else this week?
Object Lessons:
1. The Wrapped Surprise Gift
Materials:
- A gift box wrapped in plain, messy, or unexpected wrapping
- Something sweet or meaningful inside
Lesson Overview:
Ask: “Would you expect something valuable inside this?” After opening it, discuss how God’s blessings often come disguised. We may not recognize them at first, but He blesses us in ways that are best for us, not always what we expect.
Discussion Points:
- What is a blessing in your life that didn’t look like one at first?
- How can we trust God when His blessings come in unusual ways?
2. The Puzzle Piece
Materials:
- A jigsaw puzzle, or one piece of it
Lesson Overview:
Hold up a single piece of a puzzle and ask: “Does this look beautiful or complete on its own?” Not yet—but once the whole puzzle is done, it makes sense and fits perfectly. God’s blessings may not look complete in the moment, but He sees the full picture.
Discussion Points:
- When have you seen a past trial turn into a blessing?
- How do patience and trust play into recognizing God’s blessings?
3. The Seed and the Fruit
Materials:
- A small seed, a potted plant, or fruit
Lesson Overview:
Show a seed and ask: “Would you expect something delicious or beautiful from this?” Over time—with care, water, and light—it becomes something fruitful. Likewise, God’s blessings grow gradually and marvelously, often unseen at first.
Discussion Points:
- What blessings are “growing” in your life right now?
- Why do you think God works in gradual or hidden ways?
4. The Detour Sign
Materials:
- A picture of a “detour” road sign
Lesson Overview:
Explain that detours on the road may feel frustrating, but often lead to safety or better conditions. Similarly, when our plans change, the Lord may be rerouting us to something better than we imagined.
Discussion Points:
- When has a detour led to a better blessing in your life?
- How can we stay faithful when God changes our direction?
5. The Mirror Writing
Materials:
- A message written backward (or in mirror writing)
- A mirror to read it
Lesson Overview:
Show the message and ask what it says. Then use the mirror to reveal the words. Explain that some of God’s blessings only make sense in hindsight or when viewed with spiritual eyes—but they’re always present.
Discussion Points:
- What blessings have become clear only with time or perspective?
- How does faith help us “see” blessings more clearly?
6. The Story with the Twist Ending
Materials:
- A short parable or story with an unexpected but positive ending (you can also tell a personal experience)
Lesson Overview:
Tell a story where things seem to go wrong—but then it turns out better than expected. Relate this to how God’s marvelous ways often involve twists, delays, or surprises that reveal His deeper wisdom and love.
Discussion Points:
- How do you react when blessings come in unexpected ways?
- What helps you stay open to the Lord’s unique ways of blessing you?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you received a blessing you hadn’t even prayed for. How did it help you see that the Lord knows your needs better than you do?
- Think of a time when the Lord answered your prayer in a way you didn’t expect. What did you learn about His wisdom and timing?
- Think of a time when a trial eventually led to a blessing you never saw coming. How did that experience change your perspective on what it means to be blessed?
- Think of a time when the Lord used someone else to bless you in a specific, meaningful way. What did that teach you about how He works through others?
- Think of a time when you looked back and realized how much the Lord had been guiding or protecting you. What “marvelous” patterns did you notice?
- Think of a time when a small act of obedience led to a greater blessing than you expected. How did that help you trust in the Lord’s promises?
- Think of a time when your definition of “blessing” expanded because of what the Lord gave you. How did that shift change your faith or gratitude?
- Think of a time when a spiritual blessing meant more than a physical one. What made that blessing so meaningful?
- Think of a time when the Lord blessed someone you love, and it strengthened your own faith. How did witnessing that blessing affect you?
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord’s love in a deeply personal and unexpected way. How did that confirm to you that His ways are truly marvelous?
“Widows and orphans shall be provided for.”
Engaging Questions:
- Why do you think the Lord specifically commands us to care for widows, orphans, and others in need?
- Have you ever seen someone in your ward or community go out of their way to help someone vulnerable? What impact did it have?
- What does it mean to you to “provide for” someone emotionally or spiritually—not just physically?
- How can we be more aware of those around us who may feel alone or overlooked?
- What are some simple but powerful ways you can support someone going through loss or hardship?
- What do you learn about God’s character from His concern for the poor, the lonely, and the forgotten?
- Why is caring for others an essential part of discipleship and building Zion?
- How have you personally felt cared for—by others or by the Lord—during a difficult time?
- What barriers might keep us from helping those in need, and how can we overcome them?
- What is one thing you can do this week to follow the Lord’s command to provide for someone in need?
Object Lessons:
1. The Umbrella of Protection
Materials:
- An umbrella
- Paper cutouts labeled “widow,” “orphan,” “single parent,” etc.
Lesson Overview:
Hold the umbrella over someone while “rain” (symbolic trials) falls. Place the paper cutouts under the umbrella and explain that the Church—through priesthood care, fast offerings, ministering, and community—is meant to be a spiritual and temporal umbrella for those in need.
Discussion Points:
- Who in your life might need the “umbrella” of your help right now?
- How does being part of the Church help us fulfill this divine responsibility?
2. The Broken Chair (Support System Analogy)
Materials:
- A wobbly chair or one leg removed (or a visual representation)
Lesson Overview:
Show how a chair with a missing leg can’t stand on its own. Then place a block or book under the missing leg to stabilize it. Explain that widows and orphans often lack one or more key supports in life, and we are called to step in and stabilize them—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Discussion Points:
- How have others helped “prop you up” when you were struggling?
- What support could you offer someone missing strength in their life?
3. The Family Puzzle
Materials:
- A puzzle with a few key family pieces removed
- Optional: pieces labeled with roles like “mother,” “father,” “sibling,” “friend”
Lesson Overview:
Show the puzzle with missing pieces. Explain that when families lose members or stability, the picture feels incomplete. The Lord’s command is for His Church to help fill in the gaps where needed—temporarily or long-term.
Discussion Points:
- What does “filling in the missing piece” look like in someone’s life?
- How does the gospel help heal and strengthen broken families?
4. The Rope with Fraying Ends
Materials:
- A rope with a frayed end, and tape or twine to bind it
Lesson Overview:
Show that when a rope frays, it begins to unravel. With help (tape/twine), the end is reinforced. Widows, orphans, and others in vulnerable situations may feel like they’re coming apart, but we are called to bind and support them through service, time, and care.
Discussion Points:
- How does God use people to help mend broken hearts or homes?
- What can you do to “tie up” someone else’s fraying thread?
5. The Loaf of Bread – Sharing What We Have
Materials:
- A loaf of bread or rolls, sliced or broken into pieces
Lesson Overview:
Break the bread and hand out pieces to others. Teach that in Zion, we don’t keep the bread to ourselves. Just like fast offerings and ministering today, sharing our resources ensures that no one goes hungry—physically or spiritually.
Discussion Points:
- How can you be more aware of temporal or emotional hunger in others?
- What does generous giving look like beyond just money?
6. The Light Chain (We’re All Connected)
Materials:
- A strand of lights (or paper chain with names or roles)
Lesson Overview:
If one bulb or link is broken, the chain may not work fully. Each person matters. When someone (like a widow or orphan) is struggling, it’s everyone’s job to reach out and reconnect them to the body of Christ.
Discussion Points:
- Who might be a “disconnected light” in your ward or community?
- What small act could help them feel remembered and needed?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you saw someone in need—especially a widow, single parent, or child—and felt prompted to help. How did that experience teach you about the Lord’s care for them?
- Think of a time when your ward or community rallied around someone who had lost a spouse or parent. What did you learn about how the Lord provides through His people?
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord asking you to notice or reach out to someone who might be lonely or vulnerable. How did that small act make a difference?
- Think of a time when you or someone close to you experienced loss—and help came in unexpected ways. How did the Lord provide comfort or support?
- Think of a time when a Relief Society, priesthood quorum, or youth group served someone in need. How did that service reflect God’s command to care for “widows and orphans”?
- Think of a time when you felt the Savior’s love for someone who was grieving or alone. What did the Spirit prompt you to do?
- Think of a time when you saw someone find strength in the gospel after a deep personal loss. How did the Lord provide for them emotionally or spiritually?
- Think of a time when Church resources—ministering, fast offerings, or service—blessed someone who had lost a provider. What did that teach you about God’s covenant care?
- Think of a time when you learned about the importance of caring for the fatherless and the widowed in scripture or Church teachings. How did that inspire you?
- Think of a time when you realized the Lord was using you to be an answer to someone’s unspoken need. How did that increase your desire to serve?
