Introduction

Some Relief Society lessons naturally become more meaningful when the talk itself is built on both doctrine and lived experience. Elder Thierry K. Mutombo’s talk, “The Joy of a Covenant Relationship with God,” is one of those messages. It is deeply doctrinal, centered on the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it is also intensely personal. It speaks to grief, covenant loyalty, divine love, obedience, opposition, endurance, and the hope that comes because Sunday always follows Friday.

This lesson help is designed to make your preparation both easier and deeper. Instead of having to decide where the talk shifts or which ideas to develop, the message is broken into chronological discussion sections that follow Elder Mutombo’s natural flow of thought. Each section includes longer direct quotes from the talk, 10 discussion questions, 5 object lesson ideas, and 10 personal sharing prompts to help invite thoughtful conversation, testimony, and story sharing in Relief Society.

One of the greatest benefits of a lesson help like this is that it frees the teacher to focus less on structure and more on people. With the framework already in place, you can spend more time praying about the sisters in your class, seeking the Spirit, and deciding which truths need the most emphasis. This talk especially lends itself to that kind of preparation because it reaches women in real places of pain, faith, endurance, and covenant commitment.

All quotes below are taken directly from the talk you provided.

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Section 1: Easter Is More Than a Greeting—It Is a Declaration of Hope

Teach

Elder Mutombo begins with a beautiful Easter custom: one person says, “Christ is risen,” and the other responds, “Truly, He is risen.” He immediately teaches that this is more than a greeting. It is a declaration of everything the Atonement and Resurrection make possible.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“In some parts of the world, people use a unique and special way of exchanging greetings on Easter morning. The paschal greeting, also known as the Easter acclamation or Easter Day greeting, is a custom among many Christians.

“The greeter says, ‘Christ is risen.’

“The other person responds, ‘Truly, He is risen.’

“This is more than just a simple greeting or declaration. It is a celebration of the divine gift offered by Heavenly Father to us. The understanding of what Jesus Christ offers through His Atonement and Resurrection brings comfort, peace, and reassurance to all of us. Without Jesus Christ’s infinite Atonement, no one would have hope to return to our Heavenly Father. And without His Resurrection, death would be the end.”

Discussion Questions

1. What do you love about the Easter greeting Elder Mutombo shares?
2. Why is it important that he says this is more than a simple greeting?
3. How do the Atonement and Resurrection bring comfort, peace, and reassurance?
4. What would life feel like without the hope the Savior offers?
5. Why does Easter doctrine matter beyond one Sunday each year?
6. How does the Resurrection affect the way we see grief and mortality?
7. Why is the Atonement essential to our hope of returning to Heavenly Father?
8. What does it mean to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection as a divine gift?
9. How does understanding what Jesus offers change the way we worship?
10. What phrase in this section most speaks to your heart?

Object Lessons

1. Write “Christ is risen” and “Truly, He is risen” on two cards and use them as a call-and-response opener.
2. Show a sunrise image to symbolize morning after darkness.
3. Use an unopened gift box to discuss Easter as a divine gift from Heavenly Father.
4. Place two signs on a table: “Atonement” and “Resurrection,” then discuss what each makes possible.
5. Light a candle after dimming the room to symbolize hope entering darkness.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share what Easter means to you personally.
2. Describe a time resurrection hope brought you peace.
3. Share how the Savior’s Atonement has brought reassurance to your life.
4. Talk about a moment when Christ felt especially real to you at Easter.
5. Share what the phrase “Christ is risen” means in your heart.
6. Describe how the Savior has changed the way you view death or grief.
7. Share a family Easter memory that strengthened your faith.
8. Talk about why the Resurrection matters in everyday life.
9. Share how Christ has brought comfort in sorrow.
10. Describe what divine hope feels like to you.

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Section 2: “Come Unto Me” Means Right Now, Wherever You Are

Teach

After establishing Easter hope, Elder Mutombo turns to the Savior’s invitation: “Come unto me.” He emphasizes that this invitation is not reserved for ideal circumstances. It applies wherever we are and whatever we are going through.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“The Savior Jesus Christ confirmed the divine purpose of His Atonement, saying: ‘If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.’

“‘Come unto me’ is a divine invitation which means wherever you are now or whatever you are going through in your life, you can feel God’s infinite love manifested through His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does “come unto me” mean to you personally?
2. Why is it comforting that the invitation applies wherever you are now?
3. How does this section change the way we think about worthiness to approach Christ?
4. What does it mean that His arm of mercy is extended?
5. Why do people sometimes hesitate to come unto Christ in the middle of pain or confusion?
6. How does coming unto Christ connect to feeling God’s love?
7. What kinds of life circumstances make this invitation especially precious?
8. Why do you think Elder Mutombo uses the phrase “wherever you are now”?
9. How can we help others believe that Christ will receive them?
10. What does this section teach about the openness of the Savior’s mercy?

Object Lessons

1. Extend your hand outward to symbolize the Savior’s arm of mercy.
2. Use an open door to represent the invitation to come.
3. Place a sign that says “Come” at the center of the room and discuss movement toward Christ.
4. Show a welcome mat or open gate to illustrate reception, not rejection.
5. Use a map with many starting points all leading toward one center point labeled Christ.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you came unto Christ in a difficult season.
2. Describe how you have felt God’s love through Jesus Christ.
3. Share what it means to you that Christ receives those who come.
4. Talk about a moment when mercy felt real.
5. Share how this invitation meets you in your present life.
6. Describe a circumstance where you needed to know Christ’s love was available right then.
7. Share how the Savior has helped you move toward Him.
8. Talk about why this doctrine feels hopeful.
9. Share how you have seen others respond to Christ’s invitation.
10. Describe what “mine arm of mercy is extended” means in your life.

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Section 3: Covenant Love Deepens as Covenants Deepen

Teach

Elder Mutombo teaches that Heavenly Father has a special love for those who make covenants, and that love deepens as additional covenants are made and faithfully kept. This section is important because it frames covenant living not merely as obligation, but as relationship.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Indeed, our Heavenly Father has a special love for each person who makes the covenant with Him in the waters of baptism. That divine love deepens as additional covenants are made in the house of the Lord and are faithfully kept.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean that God’s love is especially manifested in covenant relationship?
2. How does covenant love differ from a more casual connection to God?
3. Why do you think Elder Mutombo says that divine love deepens as covenants deepen?
4. How have covenants changed the way you experience God’s love?
5. What does faithful covenant keeping look like in real life?
6. Why is it important to view covenants relationally, not just behaviorally?
7. How do baptism and temple covenants shape daily discipleship?
8. In what ways can covenants become a source of joy rather than pressure?
9. How does this section help us understand the title of the talk?
10. What does covenant relationship with God mean to you personally?

Object Lessons

1. Use two linked rings or loops to symbolize covenant relationship.
2. Show a baptism picture and a temple picture side by side to discuss deepening covenant connection.
3. Use a cord with knots tied at important points to represent covenant milestones.
4. Bring a family tree image to discuss belonging and relational identity.
5. Use a signed promise card to symbolize covenant commitment and connection.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share how your baptismal covenant has blessed your life.
2. Describe how temple covenants have deepened your relationship with God.
3. Share a time covenant remembrance gave you strength.
4. Talk about what covenant identity means to you.
5. Share how you have felt God’s love through obedience.
6. Describe a season when covenants became more meaningful.
7. Share how faithfulness has deepened joy in your life.
8. Talk about a covenant promise you hold onto.
9. Share how your relationship with Heavenly Father has changed over time.
10. Describe what makes covenant living feel joyful to you.

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Section 4: Covenant Faith Can Sustain Us in Deepest Grief

Teach

This is the emotional center of the talk. Elder Mutombo and his wife experienced repeated loss, including the deaths of four children. In that setting, they cried out to Heaven with questions. This section makes the talk deeply personal and opens the door to meaningful Relief Society discussion on grief, trust, and enduring faith.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Nathalie and I experienced this divine love during a very difficult time in our lives as husband and wife and eternal companions. We have been blessed with 10 children. When I mention this, many younger people ask, ‘How?’ And I respond, ‘This is simply how it is.’

“We experienced the death of four of our children at the beginning of our marriage. After the passing of three of our children, Nathalie and I wondered and asked ourselves so many questions, like the Prophet Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail: ‘Heavenly Father, where art Thou? Do You hear our cries and prayers?’

“We soon learned that this was not the end of our trials when Allan Mutombo, our nine-month-old baby, passed away. I found him in his crib. Holding his body in my arms, I cried that day, begging for a miracle. However, as you know, God’s plan for us is perfect, and that day He decided to take Allan back to Him. My prayers did not change His mind and will.”

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you most in Elder Mutombo’s account of grief?
2. Why is it powerful that he openly shares their questions to God?
3. What does this section teach about faith in the middle of loss?
4. How does it help to know that faithful people also cry out, “Where art Thou?”
5. Why do you think unanswered prayers can still exist inside a covenant relationship with God?
6. What does it mean to trust that God’s plan is perfect when it feels painful?
7. How can Relief Society become a better place for people carrying deep grief?
8. What role do honesty and lament play in faithful discipleship?
9. How does this section challenge simplistic views of faith and suffering?
10. What truths become most precious when life does not turn out as hoped?

Object Lessons

1. Use a broken heart image and place a cross over it to discuss grief held in covenant.
2. Show a wilted flower and discuss mourning, love, and loss.
3. Use a prayer journal to symbolize questions brought honestly to God.
4. Place several small candles together to represent children and family grief.
5. Hold an empty cradle image or small blanket to discuss sacred sorrow with reverence.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you prayed from a place of deep sorrow.
2. Describe how the Lord met you in grief.
3. Share what helped you keep believing when prayers were not answered as you hoped.
4. Talk about a loss that changed your relationship with God.
5. Share how honesty with God has strengthened your faith.
6. Describe a question you have carried in pain.
7. Share how covenant hope has helped you mourn.
8. Talk about what you have learned about God through suffering.
9. Share how others ministered to you in grief.
10. Describe a truth that became more precious because of sorrow.

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Section 5: Remembering Covenants Gives Strength to Stand

Teach

After the death of their child, Elder Mutombo and his wife faced pressure from extended family to separate according to tradition. In that moment, he remembered temple sealing covenants and found peace and strength. This section is rich for discussing courage, covenant loyalty, and standing for truth even in painful circumstances.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“To add to this challenge, after the funeral, our extended families gathered and decided, without consulting us, that tradition required Nathalie and me to separate, and they asked me to take my wife’s belongings outside the house because we had lost many children.

“I went into the house and prayed, asking for strength to face this adversity. The words of the wonderful hymn, written by Emma Lou Thayne, came to my mind: ‘Where can I turn for peace?’

“I also remembered the words of our temple sealing and the promises we made to God and to each other. I felt great peace and reassurance that Nathalie and I are a daughter and a son of a loving and caring Heavenly Father.

“I felt the Savior’s love and His hand lifting me up.

“I came out with empty hands and told the people who were there, ‘I’m sorry, but Nathalie is my eternal companion. We are striving together to build an eternal family, and the Savior is helping us achieve it.’

“They opposed my decision, but exercising my faith in Jesus Christ made me stronger.”

Discussion Questions

1. What makes this moment in the talk so powerful?
2. Why do you think remembering temple covenants brought peace in that crisis?
3. What does it mean that he came out with empty hands?
4. How do covenants strengthen us when culture, family, or tradition pull in another direction?
5. What can we learn from the way he spoke with firmness and peace?
6. Why does the Savior’s love sometimes become most tangible when we stand for truth?
7. How can women draw strength from temple promises during conflict?
8. What does this section teach about eternal identity?
9. How does obedience become strength rather than just sacrifice?
10. What traditions or pressures today sometimes compete with covenant loyalty?

Object Lessons

1. Use two hands—one empty, one holding an object—to discuss what it means to choose eternal things over outward expectation.
2. Show a temple picture and a wedding band together to symbolize sealing power.
3. Use a rope or cord tying two objects together to represent covenant unity.
4. Bring hymn lyrics to “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” and discuss how truth and worship steady us.
5. Place a sign reading “tradition” beside one reading “covenant” and discuss competing loyalties.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time your covenants gave you strength in conflict.
2. Describe a moment you had to choose eternal truth over social pressure.
3. Share how temple promises have steadied you.
4. Talk about a time the Savior lifted you when you had to stand firm.
5. Share what eternal companionship means to you.
6. Describe a circumstance where obedience made you stronger.
7. Share how a hymn or spiritual memory gave you courage.
8. Talk about a time you felt peace while doing something hard.
9. Share how your identity as a son or daughter of God has changed your choices.
10. Describe what covenant courage looks like in your life.

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Section 6: Miracles Come in God’s Way—and Sometimes at the End

Teach

Elder Mutombo next teaches that the miracle they prayed for came after they stood for truth. But he adds an important balancing truth: sometimes things do not work out in mortality as we hope, and sometimes faith means trusting that all will work out in the end. This is a mature and important teaching on miracles.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“The miracle Nathalie and I prayed for happened after we stood for the truth and the light that is in Jesus the Christ. We received a strong confirmation that Christ works miracles according to our faith in Him. Sometimes things do not work out in mortality as we hope, and sometimes we need the faith in Jesus Christ that all will work out in the end.”

Discussion Questions

1. What do you notice about Elder Mutombo’s view of miracles?
2. Why is it important to leave room for miracles to come in God’s timing and way?
3. What is the difference between faith to be healed now and faith that all will work out in the end?
4. How can this teaching help those whose miracles have not yet come?
5. Why do we sometimes equate faith only with immediate outcomes?
6. How does standing for truth prepare us to receive God’s help?
7. What do you think it means that Christ works miracles according to our faith in Him?
8. How can this section deepen patience and trust?
9. What have you learned about miracles that do not look the way you expected?
10. How does this doctrine protect against discouragement?

Object Lessons

1. Show a seed planted in soil to discuss faith before visible results.
2. Use a timeline with “now” and “in the end” to talk about different kinds of miracles.
3. Bring two wrapped boxes labeled “expected” and “God’s way.”
4. Use a sunrise sequence to illustrate delayed but certain light.
5. Show a bridge spanning a gap to symbolize trust over unfinished outcomes.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a miracle that came in a different way than you expected.
2. Describe a time you needed faith that things would work out in the end.
3. Share how Christ strengthened you while waiting.
4. Talk about a blessing that came after you stood for truth.
5. Share what you have learned about God’s timing.
6. Describe a time when trust itself became the miracle.
7. Share how your view of miracles has matured.
8. Talk about a season of waiting with faith.
9. Share how the Lord has confirmed His hand to you.
10. Describe what “faith in the end” means to you.

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Section 7: Dark Friday Does Not Last Forever—Sunday Will Come

Teach

This is one of the most memorable doctrinal turns in the talk. Elder Mutombo connects personal dark days with the darkest day in history: the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. But because of the Resurrection, Friday never gets the last word. This section is especially powerful for anyone in discouragement, sorrow, or waiting.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Now, you may say, ‘I’m not facing the same challenge—how does this apply to me?’ During this mortal life, each of us will face our own dark days, times when things are not going as hoped. When you face this darkness of sorrow, please remember that dark day when Jesus Christ was humiliated, bruised, abused, reviled, and lifted on the cross for you and me.

“That day was filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that gnawed at the souls of those who loved and honored Jesus Christ. But the doom of that day did not last forever. The despair did not linger because, on Sunday, the resurrected Savior overcame the bonds of death. So no matter how dark your days are, please remember that Sunday will come if you faithfully keep the covenants that you made with the Lord.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does the phrase “Sunday will come” mean to you personally?
2. Why is it powerful that Elder Mutombo connects our dark days to the crucifixion and Resurrection?
3. How does remembering Christ’s suffering help us endure our own?
4. What does this section teach about the temporary nature of despair?
5. Why do covenants matter in the space between Friday and Sunday?
6. What are some ways women experience dark days when things are not going as hoped?
7. How does resurrection hope reshape endurance?
8. What might “Sunday” look like in different seasons of life?
9. How can this doctrine help someone who feels like the darkness has lasted too long?
10. Which phrase in this section most strengthens you?

Object Lessons

1. Use a black cloth and then remove it to reveal white underneath, symbolizing Friday and Sunday.
2. Show a calendar page from Friday to Sunday.
3. Use a sunrise or dawn image to represent the coming of Sunday.
4. Light a candle after a moment of darkness to symbolize resurrection hope.
5. Place a cross and an empty tomb image side by side.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time “Sunday” eventually came after a dark season.
2. Describe how resurrection hope has helped you endure sorrow.
3. Share what keeps you faithful while waiting for light.
4. Talk about a difficult Friday in your life and how God met you there.
5. Share how your covenants have sustained you in pain.
6. Describe what hope in Christ looks like right now.
7. Share how this teaching changes the way you see your current trial.
8. Talk about a time when despair did not last forever.
9. Share how Easter doctrine has become practical for you.
10. Describe what “Sunday will come” means in your own words.

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Section 8: God’s Plan Is Joy, and the Adversary Wants Misery

Teach

Elder Mutombo then contrasts God’s plan with Satan’s goal. Heavenly Father’s plan is happiness now and joy forever. The adversary wants covenant-breaking, sorrow, destruction, and false ideas about consequence-free living. This section is very useful for discussing obedience, agency, and the purpose of commandments.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Our Heavenly Father’s plan for us is happiness now and joy forever in His presence. He gives us laws and commandments and makes covenants with us to bless us. His desire, purpose, and glory are to have us return to Him pure, having proven ourselves worthy of an eternity of joy in His presence.

“We know the adversary’s goal. He seeks for all to ‘be miserable like unto himself.’ He would have us break our covenants to bring sorrow upon us. He is committed to our destruction. Satan’s program is often described as ‘play now and pay later.’ He also tries to teach that there are never any consequences or accountability for our actions.”

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the contrast between God’s plan and Satan’s goal?
2. Why is it important that commandments and covenants are described as blessings rather than restrictions?
3. How does the adversary distort the purpose of agency and consequence?
4. What does “happiness now and joy forever” teach about God’s character?
5. Why do false ideas about freedom often sound appealing?
6. How can we better recognize the difference between divine joy and counterfeit pleasure?
7. In what ways does covenant breaking actually bring sorrow?
8. How does this section help explain why obedience matters?
9. Why is accountability a gift, not just a warning?
10. What does it mean to see God’s desire as having us return to Him pure?

Object Lessons

1. Put two signs on opposite walls: “Joy” and “Misery,” then sort choices or ideas under them.
2. Show a healthy path versus a damaged path to discuss consequences.
3. Use a wrapped “gift” labeled commandment to discuss laws as blessings.
4. Place a baited hook image next to a nourishing meal to discuss counterfeit pleasure.
5. Use a road sign that says “Play now, pay later” and contrast it with “Trust now, joy later and now.”

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share how obedience has brought blessing rather than burden in your life.
2. Describe a time you recognized a counterfeit promise from the adversary.
3. Share how commandments have protected your joy.
4. Talk about what “happiness now and joy forever” means to you.
5. Share how covenant living has changed your view of God.
6. Describe a time when consequence became a teacher rather than just a punishment.
7. Share how you have come to see accountability as mercy.
8. Talk about a false idea the Lord helped you unlearn.
9. Share what helps you distinguish true joy from temporary distraction.
10. Describe how God’s plan feels loving and purposeful to you.

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Section 9: The Great Test of Life Is Obedience, Love, and Childlike Faith

Teach

Elder Mutombo closes by quoting President Ezra Taft Benson and then summarizing what strengthens covenant relationship: humility, becoming like a child, building on Christ, yielding in faith, responding to the Holy Ghost, and faithfully keeping covenants. This final section brings the whole talk into practical discipleship.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“President Ezra Taft Benson taught:

‘The great test of life is obedience to God. …

‘The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it.

‘The great commandment of life is to love the Lord.’”

“We can grow in humility and strengthen our covenantal relationship with our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ if we change our nature to become like a child, building our life on the rock, who is the Savior Jesus Christ, yielding in faith in Him, responding to the Holy Ghost’s direction to faithfully keep the covenants made with the Lord at our baptism and in the house of the Lord.”

“I know that God lives and testify that Jesus is the Christ. I testify that President Dallin H. Oaks is the prophet of God on the earth.

“Christ is risen. Truly, He is risen.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Elder Mutombo ends with obedience, love, and humility?
2. What does it mean to become like a child spiritually?
3. Why is building on the rock such a fitting image for covenant relationship?
4. How does yielding in faith differ from passive resignation?
5. What role does the Holy Ghost play in faithful covenant keeping?
6. Why is obedience called the great test of life?
7. How does love for the Lord shape obedience differently than fear?
8. Which phrase in this final section feels most like an invitation to you?
9. How do you think the Easter acclamation at the end ties the whole message together?
10. What is one thing you feel prompted to do differently because of this talk?

Object Lessons

1. Use sand and a rock to illustrate building on Christ.
2. Show a child’s hand in an adult’s hand to discuss childlike yielding and trust.
3. Use a checklist labeled know, do, love to discuss Benson’s teaching.
4. Bring a small stone with “Christ” written on it as the foundation.
5. Use a straight path with stepping stones labeled humility, faith, Holy Ghost, covenant, obedience.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share what childlike faith looks like in your life.
2. Describe a time obedience became joyful rather than merely dutiful.
3. Share how the Holy Ghost has helped you keep a covenant.
4. Talk about what it means to build your life on Christ.
5. Share a time love for the Lord helped you do something hard.
6. Describe a way humility has strengthened your relationship with God.
7. Share what you are learning about yielding in faith.
8. Talk about a covenant you feel especially grateful for.
9. Share your testimony that Christ is risen.
10. Describe what joy in covenant relationship with God means to you.

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Conclusion

Preparing a Relief Society lesson on Elder Mutombo’s “The Joy of a Covenant Relationship with God” can become far more than organizing a few comments and scriptures. This talk gives you the chance to teach about Easter hope, covenant identity, grief, loyalty, obedience, and endurance in a way that is both doctrinal and deeply personal. It invites sisters to see that covenant relationship with God is not cold or formal. It is filled with divine love, sustaining strength, and eternal joy.

That is one of the great benefits of a lesson help like this. When the talk is already divided into meaningful sections, when the strongest quotes are already gathered, and when the questions and prompts are prepared, you are free to pray more specifically about the needs of your class and teach with greater confidence and spiritual focus. Elder Mutombo’s message is especially suited to Relief Society because it speaks to women who are carrying sorrow, standing for truth, waiting for Sunday, keeping covenants in hard places, and trying to trust that God’s plan is joy. This talk can help sisters remember that no matter where they are, no matter what they are going through, the Savior’s arm of mercy is extended, His Resurrection is real, and covenant relationship with Him brings peace, strength, and joy that reaches far beyond mortality.

Posted By: Lia · In: Relief Society