Introduction

President D. Todd Christofferson’s talk “The Character of Christ” is a powerful Relief Society lesson because it moves beyond what we do and invites us to examine who we are becoming. The central question is not just, “What should I improve?” but “What kind of heart creates Christlike character?”

This lesson help is designed to make preparation easier by breaking the talk into chronological discussion sections with direct quotes, thoughtful questions, object lesson ideas, and personal sharing prompts. Instead of trying to build a lesson from scratch, you can focus on helping sisters reflect, share, and feel invited into deeper discipleship.

All quotes are taken directly from the talk provided.

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Section 1: What Manner of Persons Ought We to Be?

Teach

President Christofferson begins with Peter’s question about the Second Coming: “What manner of persons ought ye to be?” This frames the entire talk. Preparing for Christ’s return is not only about watching for events. It is about becoming holy, peaceful, and Christlike.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Since we know that the Lord will come and establish a new earth where righteousness prevails, Peter asks, ‘What manner of persons ought ye to be?’ He counsels that we should be preparing diligently now so that when the Lord comes, He will find us ‘in peace, without spot, and blameless,’ leading lives of holiness.

“As I have pondered Peter’s question, ‘What manner of persons ought ye to be?’ I have decided to speak today about the character of Jesus Christ. It is in emulating the character of Christ that we become the ‘manner of persons’ we ought to be. Acquiring the character of Christ is one of the most important ways we take His name upon us.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why is “What manner of persons ought ye to be?” such a powerful question?
2. How does this question shift our focus from events to personal discipleship?
3. What does it mean to be found “in peace” when the Lord comes?
4. Why is Christlike character one of the ways we take His name upon us?
5. How is becoming different from simply behaving?
6. What does this section teach about preparation for the Second Coming?
7. Why do you think holiness is connected to peace?
8. How can we prepare diligently without becoming anxious?
9. What kind of person do you feel the Lord is inviting you to become?
10. How can Relief Society help sisters become more Christlike together?

Object Lessons

1. Use a mirror to represent becoming more like Christ.
2. Show a name tag labeled “Jesus Christ” to discuss taking His name upon us.
3. Use a before-and-after image to discuss transformation.
4. Bring a clean white cloth to symbolize being “without spot.”
5. Use a foundation stone to show character as preparation.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you felt invited to become more like Christ.
2. Describe a Christlike quality you are trying to develop.
3. Share how taking His name upon you has changed your choices.
4. Talk about what spiritual preparation means to you.
5. Share how peace has come as you tried to live more faithfully.
6. Describe a moment when you realized discipleship was about becoming.
7. Share how the Lord has helped refine your character.
8. Talk about someone whose Christlike character inspires you.
9. Share what “holiness” means in daily life.
10. Describe the kind of person you hope to be when you meet the Savior.

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Section 2: Christlike Character Comes from a Christlike Heart

Teach

President Christofferson teaches that Christlike character is more than a list of admirable traits. Attributes like humility, courage, compassion, and integrity grow out of something deeper: the thoughts, desires, and intents of the heart.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“When we consider the character of the Savior, we tend to focus immediately on His attributes, such as virtue, integrity, humility, compassion, and courage, but we should also consider, What is it in Jesus that gives rise to such character traits? I believe they are the natural fruit of the thoughts, desires, and intents of His heart. Christlike character grows out of a Christlike heart.

“Thus, if we are to succeed in developing a Christlike character, we must possess His motivations—His thoughts, desires, and intents of the heart. For us, it will require what the scriptures call a mighty change of heart.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it not enough to focus only on outward attributes?
2. What does it mean that Christlike character grows out of a Christlike heart?
3. How do thoughts, desires, and intents shape behavior?
4. Why do motivations matter so much to the Lord?
5. What is the difference between acting Christlike and becoming Christlike?
6. How can we invite the Lord to change our desires?
7. Why is a mighty change of heart necessary?
8. What helps us notice the motives behind our actions?
9. How can we avoid discouragement when our hearts change slowly?
10. What does this section teach about real conversion?

Object Lessons

1. Show fruit and roots to teach that visible actions grow from hidden motives.
2. Use a heart-shaped container filled with written desires.
3. Compare polished outside packaging with what is inside.
4. Use a tree diagram: roots are motives, fruit is character.
5. Show a compass to represent inner direction.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time the Lord changed your desires.
2. Describe a moment when you noticed your motives needed refining.
3. Share how your heart has changed over time.
4. Talk about the difference between doing good and wanting good.
5. Share how Christ has helped you become more genuine.
6. Describe a Christlike desire you want to develop.
7. Share how the Holy Ghost has helped you see your heart clearly.
8. Talk about a time your intentions changed before your behavior did.
9. Share what “mighty change of heart” means to you.
10. Describe how conversion has changed your character.

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Section 3: A Mighty Change of Heart Comes Through Christ’s Grace

Teach

President Christofferson explains that a mighty change of heart may happen quickly for some and gradually for others. Both are valid. The key is that this change comes through faith, repentance, covenant, the Holy Ghost, and the grace of Jesus Christ.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Following King Benjamin’s inspired, prophetic discourse, his people testified, ‘The Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent … has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.’ King Benjamin responded, ‘Ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name.’”

“In the case of King Benjamin’s people, and some others, this spiritual rebirth with a changed heart was almost instantaneous. For most of us, our mighty change of heart occurs incrementally over time. In either case, the outcome is the same and equally valid. And in all cases, it requires faith in Christ, repentance, a baptismal covenant of obedience, and the grace of Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost.”

“Yes, it requires a consistent and sustained effort on our part, but remember, it is not simply a matter of our striving. The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that we, each of us, can call on the grace of Jesus Christ to help us.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it comforting that change can happen incrementally over time?
2. How does this section help us avoid comparing our conversion to someone else’s?
3. What role does faith in Christ play in changing our hearts?
4. How does repentance help reshape our desires?
5. Why is covenant obedience part of spiritual rebirth?
6. How does the Holy Ghost bring Christ’s grace into our lives?
7. What is the difference between sustained effort and trying to change by willpower alone?
8. How have you experienced grace helping you become different?
9. Why is “equally valid” an important phrase for those who grow slowly?
10. What does this section teach about hope in personal change?

Object Lessons

1. Use a plant growing slowly to represent incremental change.
2. Show a sunrise gradually brightening.
3. Use clay being shaped over time.
4. Compare a light switch with a dimmer switch to show different patterns of change.
5. Show a small seed and mature plant side by side.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a change in your heart that happened gradually.
2. Describe a time grace helped you beyond your own effort.
3. Share how repentance has softened your heart.
4. Talk about a spiritual rebirth moment in your life.
5. Share how the Holy Ghost has helped you desire good.
6. Describe a time you stopped comparing your growth to someone else’s.
7. Share how covenants have shaped your character.
8. Talk about a slow change you now recognize as miraculous.
9. Share what gives you hope when change feels slow.
10. Describe how Christ has helped you become new.

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Section 4: The Pure Love of Christ Turns Us Outward

Teach

The first Christlike motivation President Christofferson discusses is charity, the pure love of Christ. This love produces compassion, patience, correction by the Spirit, forgiveness, and the ability to turn outward even while suffering.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“Foremost among the motives that form Christ’s character is charity, ‘the pure love of Christ.’ It was pure love that, before the Creation, led Him to offer Himself as our Redeemer. His Atonement was and is the supreme act of love. As He Himself said, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’

“The love of Christ yields character traits such as compassion, patience, a willingness to correct ‘when moved upon by the Holy Ghost,’ and certainly a willingness to forgive.”

“Elder Bednar observes, ‘Character is revealed … in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress.’

“I think of Jesus in agony and near death on the cross remembering his mother, Mary, and placing her in the care of His beloved Apostle John.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why is charity the foremost motive of Christlike character?
2. How does the Atonement show the pure love of Christ?
3. What does it mean to turn outward while suffering?
4. Why is compassion especially Christlike when we are in pain ourselves?
5. How does charity lead to patience and forgiveness?
6. What can we learn from Christ caring for Mary while on the cross?
7. Why is character revealed in moments of suffering?
8. How can we discern others’ pain without ignoring our own?
9. What helps us become less self-focused during trials?
10. How can Relief Society become a place where charity turns us outward?

Object Lessons

1. Use a flashlight pointing outward instead of inward.
2. Show a heart expanding beyond itself.
3. Use a cross image with Mary and John to discuss Christ’s outward love.
4. Bring a pair of hands reaching out.
5. Use two cups, one being filled while also pouring into another.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time someone noticed your suffering while they were also suffering.
2. Describe a time the Lord helped you turn outward.
3. Share how charity has changed your relationships.
4. Talk about someone who models compassion under pressure.
5. Share a time forgiveness grew from Christlike love.
6. Describe how the Savior has taught you patience.
7. Share an experience of ministering during your own trial.
8. Talk about what Christ’s care for Mary teaches you.
9. Share how charity has softened your heart.
10. Describe one way you want to love more like Christ.

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Section 5: Christ’s Character Seeks to Lift and Minister

Teach

The second motivation President Christofferson identifies is the Savior’s passion to foster the happiness and advancement of others. Christ did not come to be served, but to serve. His character is always turned toward lifting others.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“A second motivation that underlies the Savior’s character is His passion to foster the happiness and advancement of others. After all, His entire object, in harmony with the Father, is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of God’s children.”

“As He taught His Apostles:

‘Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: …

‘For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.’”

“Character qualities that grow out of devotion to the well-being and success of others include humility, meekness, selflessness, and courage.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to foster the happiness and advancement of others?
2. How does this motivation reflect Heavenly Father’s work and glory?
3. Why does true greatness come through ministering?
4. How does service create humility?
5. What is the difference between helping someone and seeking their true advancement?
6. Why does selflessness require courage?
7. How can we lift others without trying to control their path?
8. What does this section teach about leadership in the Church?
9. How can we better rejoice in others’ success?
10. What would change if we measured greatness the way Christ does?

Object Lessons

1. Use a ladder and discuss helping others climb.
2. Show hands lifting a heavy object together.
3. Use a towel and basin to represent Christlike service.
4. Bring a candle lighting another candle.
5. Use a seedling stake to show support for growth.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time someone helped you progress.
2. Describe a moment when serving someone changed you.
3. Share how humility has grown through ministering.
4. Talk about a time you rejoiced in another person’s success.
5. Share a missionary or ministering experience that shaped you.
6. Describe what selfless service looks like in your current life.
7. Share how the Savior has lifted you.
8. Talk about a time you were strengthened by helping another person.
9. Share someone who quietly fosters others’ growth.
10. Describe how you want to minister more like Christ.

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Section 6: Devotion to God’s Will Creates Integrity and Virtue

Teach

The third Christlike motivation is devotion to the will of God. President Christofferson teaches that Christ’s desire to glorify the Father produced honor, integrity, and virtue. A Christlike person wants to do God’s will in thought, word, and action.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“A third motivating force essential to the character of Christ is His desire to glorify the Father and to fulfill the Father’s will in every particular. He declared, ‘My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.’

“A Christlike desire to glorify God and do His will leads to the character qualities of honor, integrity, and virtue. Jesus, the paradigm of integrity, ‘was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’”

“A ‘life of moral excellence’ is a life of virtue. ‘Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It is fidelity to God and others. … [It] is striving to be clean and pure spiritually and physically.’ It entails a search for and devotion to truth, to right thinking and right action.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to glorify God in daily life?
2. Why is devotion to God’s will foundational to integrity?
3. How does virtue involve both thought and behavior?
4. What does “moral excellence” look like in today’s world?
5. Why does fidelity to God also affect fidelity to others?
6. How can we search for truth in a world full of confusion?
7. What helps us desire God’s will more than our own?
8. How does Christ’s example strengthen us in temptation?
9. Why is purity both spiritual and physical?
10. What does this section invite us to examine in our hearts?

Object Lessons

1. Use a compass pointing north to symbolize fixed devotion to God’s will.
2. Show a clear glass of water to represent purity.
3. Use a plumb line to illustrate integrity.
4. Bring a clean white cloth to discuss virtue.
5. Use a recipe followed exactly to symbolize doing the Father’s will.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you chose God’s will over your own.
2. Describe what integrity means in your life.
3. Share how virtue has protected your peace.
4. Talk about a time the Savior helped you resist temptation.
5. Share how your thoughts influence your character.
6. Describe how you seek truth.
7. Share a moment when obedience brought spiritual strength.
8. Talk about what moral excellence means in ordinary life.
9. Share how devotion to God has changed your priorities.
10. Describe one way you want to glorify God more fully.

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Section 7: We Can Become the People God Needs Us to Be

Teach

After identifying three Christlike motivations, President Christofferson summarizes the invitation: through faith, repentance, and the Holy Ghost, the Lord can instill these divine motivations in us. We can become the people God needs us to be.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“In summary, Jesus thinks and acts out of pure love; He yearns to bless and lift others; and He delights to do the will of God. With faith in Christ, we can pray that the Holy Spirit will effect a mighty change in us to instill these same divine motivations in our heart and help us practice the attributes of a Christlike character.”

“We can keep repenting to improve as we strive to follow the Lord’s example, ‘which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart.’ We can ‘become the people God needs us to be.’”

Discussion Questions

1. Which of the three Christlike motivations do you most want to develop?
2. Why do we need the Holy Spirit to instill divine motivations in our hearts?
3. How does repentance help us become better rather than feel worse?
4. What does it mean to “practice” the attributes of Christlike character?
5. How can prayer invite a mighty change in us?
6. Why is becoming Christlike both divine gift and personal effort?
7. What does “the people God needs us to be” mean to you?
8. How do we keep improving without becoming discouraged?
9. Why is faith in Christ essential to character change?
10. What would change in our homes and wards if these motivations grew in us?

Object Lessons

1. Use three labeled jars: love, lift, God’s will.
2. Show a practice instrument or exercise weights to discuss practicing attributes.
3. Use a heart being filled with paper slips labeled divine motivations.
4. Bring a polishing cloth to symbolize gradual refinement.
5. Use a seed packet labeled “Christlike character” and discuss cultivation.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a divine motivation you have felt growing in your heart.
2. Describe how repentance has helped you improve.
3. Share how the Holy Ghost has changed your desires.
4. Talk about a Christlike attribute you are practicing.
5. Share how prayer has helped you become different.
6. Describe a time the Lord helped you be who someone needed.
7. Share what “become the people God needs us to be” means personally.
8. Talk about how faith in Christ helps you keep trying.
9. Share a small improvement you know came from Him.
10. Describe who you feel God is helping you become.

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Section 8: Christlike Individuals Prepare the World for His Return

Teach

President Christofferson closes by connecting personal character to the preparation of the world. Christlike individuals matter. Jesus changes the world one by one, and the choices of individuals shape societies.

Direct Quotes from the Talk

“I return to the matter of Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. Adopting the character of Christ is not only a question of our personal preparation but a primary element of preparing the world for the Lord’s return and His glorious millennial reign.”

“We tend to underestimate the influence of Christlike individuals in the world, but working one by one has always been Jesus’s approach to changing society and establishing His kingdom. It is the aggregation of individual choices over time that forms and changes societies for good or ill. No one of us alone can change the world, but each of us can have an influence in the world.”

“With faith in Christ, may our character come to mirror His so that ‘when he shall appear we shall be like him … ; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.’”

Discussion Questions

1. How does personal character help prepare the world for Christ’s return?
2. Why do we sometimes underestimate the influence of one Christlike person?
3. What does it mean that Jesus works one by one?
4. How do individual choices shape families, wards, and communities?
5. Why does society change for good or ill through accumulated choices?
6. What kind of influence can a Relief Society sister have in the world?
7. How does becoming like Christ bless more than just ourselves?
8. What does it mean for our character to mirror His?
9. How does hope in the Second Coming motivate personal purity?
10. What is one influence for good you feel called to offer?

Object Lessons

1. Use dominoes to show how one choice influences many others.
2. Light one candle from another to represent one-by-one influence.
3. Use a mirror to discuss reflecting Christ.
4. Show ripples in water from one small drop.
5. Use a mosaic image made from small pieces to symbolize society shaped by individuals.

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share about someone whose Christlike character influenced you.
2. Describe how you hope to influence your family or community.
3. Share a time one person’s goodness changed a situation.
4. Talk about how small choices have shaped your life.
5. Share what “one by one” means in your discipleship.
6. Describe how your character can help prepare others for Christ.
7. Share how hope in His return affects your choices.
8. Talk about a way you want to mirror Christ more clearly.
9. Share how the Savior has used you to bless someone.
10. Describe the influence you hope to leave behind.

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Conclusion

President Christofferson’s talk is a beautiful Relief Society lesson because it invites sisters to think deeper than outward behavior. It teaches that Christlike character grows from Christlike motivations: pure love, a desire to lift and bless others, and devotion to the will of God. These are not qualities we manufacture alone. Through faith, repentance, covenants, the Holy Ghost, and the grace of Jesus Christ, our hearts can change.

A lesson help like this gives you a clear structure so you can focus on the sisters you teach rather than scrambling to organize the message. With the sections, quotes, questions, object lessons, and sharing prompts already prepared, you can prayerfully choose what your class most needs and create room for testimony and reflection.

This talk reminds us that becoming like Christ is one of the most important ways we take His name upon us. It prepares us personally for His coming, but it also helps prepare the world. One Christlike person matters. One changed heart matters. One pure motive matters. And as we let the Savior change our hearts, our character can begin to mirror His.

Posted By: Lia · In: Relief Society