Table of Contents
- What Are Commandments?
- God Gives Commandments Because He Wants Me to Be Happy.
- Why Should We Keep the Commandments
- If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments
- The Lord Will Bless Me if I Keep His Commandments.
- A Disciple is Someone who Receives God’s Law and Obeys it.
- I Can Obey God’s Laws.
- I Can Obey the Lord’s Commandments Even When I Don’t Understand the Reasons for Them.
What Are Commandments?
Friend February 2024 “What are Commandments?”
The Ten Commandments
The Lord covenants to make Israel a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation—The people sanctify themselves—The Lord appears on Sinai amid fire, smoke, and earthquakes.
The Lord reveals the Ten Commandments—Israel is to bear witness that the Lord has spoken from heaven—The children of Israel are forbidden to make gods of silver or gold—They are to make altars of unhewn stones and sacrifice to the Lord thereon.
Lesson 21: The Ten Commandments,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 90–94 Explain that rules are necessary aspects of our lives. Ask the children to name some rules we should follow to be safe, to have good health, to have good relationships with others, or to have eternal life. Point out that rules bring order into our lives and are necessary for us to know how to live happily. Tell the children that in this lesson they will learn about Moses and the children of Israel receiving the Ten Commandments, which are laws given by God to help us know what to do and how to live so we can be happy.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” Commandments are Heavenly Father’s instructions for finding peace in this life and joy in eternity. How can you encourage the children to obey God’s commandments?
- Show pictures from “Moses on Mount Sinai” (in Old Testament Stories), and invite the children to share what they know about the story. Help them understand any parts of the story they aren’t familiar with.
- As you read several of the commandments from Exodus 20:3–17 to the children (or paraphrase them in words they can understand), invite them to give you a thumbs up if the commandment is about something we should do and a thumbs down if it is about something we should not do. Share your testimony about the happiness that comes from obeying God’s commandments (see Mosiah 2:41). (Topics article “Ten Commandments” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).)
Lesson 21: The Ten Commandments,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 90–94
To teach the children that keeping the Ten Commandments helps us be happy.
Display the chart of the Ten Commandments with a few of the words covered, and let the children take turns filling in the blanks. (Or you could make copies of this chart, with some of the words missing, for each child and let the children fill in the blanks on their own copies.) They could then take their copies home to remind them to obey the Ten Commandments.
Notice that all of the Ten Commandments fit under the two great commandments that Jesus Christ gave in Matthew 22:37–40: to love God and to love our neighbors. Write Love God and Love Neighbors on the chalkboard. Let the children take turns reading each commandment from Exodus 20:3–17 or from the chart. Have them write on the chalkboard a few key words from each commandment under the appropriate heading. Discuss specific ways to live these commandments, and challenge the children to choose one specific way to show love for God and to show love for their neighbors this week.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18-20” Think of a meaningful way to discuss the Ten Commandments as a family. For instance, you might write the commandments in Exodus 20:3–17 on ten strips of paper. Family members could then sort them into two categories: (1) honoring God and (2) loving others (see also Matthew 22:36–40). Consider choosing a commandment or two each day this week and discussing it together in more detail. For example, how does obeying this commandment strengthen our family? How did the Savior obey it?
Liahona April 2022 “Jesus Christ Is Our Savior”
Applying the Ten Commandments to Our Lives
Read the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17). God gave these laws to the Israelites to help them grow spiritually and live better lives. The commandments are also found in the Book of Mormon (see Mosiah 13:11–24) and in the Doctrine and Covenants (see 42:18–29; 59). How can the commandments help us today?
- List each of the Ten Commandments on separate pieces of paper.
- Have the family sit in a circle and place the commandments in the center.
- Have each person read a commandment and say how it fits in one of the following groups:
- Commandments 1–4 teach us about loving God.
- Commandments 5–10 teach us about our relationships and interactions with others.
- Many of the commandments tell us what not to do. Have each family member think of a positive action for each commandment.
Discussion: Think of ways the Ten Commandments have influenced your life and the culture you live in. What can we do to remember the commandments and follow them?
- Sing with the children a song about how Heavenly Father blesses us when we obey the commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). Invite the children to listen to the words to find out what blessings we can receive when we obey.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” The children will be more likely to keep the commandments if they see them as expressions of God’s love and as opportunities to express their love for Him.
- Prepare strips of paper with the commandments in Exodus 20:3–17 on them. Write the numbers one through ten on the board, and invite the children to put the strips in the correct order on the board. Talk about how we can follow these commandments. For ideas, they could look at the Gospel Topics article “Ten Commandments” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Ensign August 2016 “We Believe in Keeping the Ten Commandments”
- Invite the children to draw pictures of key words from the commandments to help them remember them.
Old Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Commandments”
- Tell the story about Chloe from Sister Carole M. Stephens’s message “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 118–20). How does the story help us understand why the Lord gives us commandments? How does being obedient show our love for God?
Friend June 2018 “Moses Obeyed God” Story, video, and goal card.
Latter Day Kids “Commandments Are a Blessing” Lesson ideas
Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Keep the Commandments” Lesson ideas
See also Commandments
“Lesson 21: The Ten Commandments,” Primary 6: Old Testament How did Moses react when he saw what the people had done? (Exodus 32:19.) Why did he break the tablets of stone? (He couldn’t share such sacred things with people who were not ready to receive them.) What did the Lord have Moses do after Moses broke the first set of tablets? (Exodus 34:1, 28.) Note: The Joseph Smith Translation of Deuteronomy 10:2 explains that these later tablets had the Ten Commandments written on them, but they no longer contained the “words of the everlasting covenant of the holy priesthood.” Because of their wickedness, the children of Israel lost the opportunity to have the higher spiritual laws.
Friend April 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Tablets from a Mountain
Story: God gave commandments to Moses on stone tablets. The Israelites promised to obey them (see Exodus 24:7).
Song: “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47)
Activity: You can promise to obey too. Make pretend tablets out of paper. Then draw or write on them ways that you keep the commandments.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34”
What was the difference between the two sets of stone tables Moses made?
Joseph Smith Translation, Exodus 34:1–2 (in the Bible appendix)
When Moses came down from the mountain, he brought the law written on stone tables. After finding that the Israelites had broken their covenant, Moses broke the tables (see Exodus 31:18; 32:19). Later, God commanded Moses to make another set of stone tables and take them back to the mountain (see Exodus 34:1–4). Joseph Smith Translation, Exodus 34:1–2 (in the Bible appendix) clarifies that the first set of stone tables included the ordinances of God’s “holy order,” or the Melchizedek Priesthood. The second set included “the law of a carnal commandment.” This was a lesser law administered by the “lesser priesthood” (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:17–27), which was meant to prepare the Israelites for the higher law and higher priesthood so they could more fully enter into God’s presence.
I should obey the Ten Commandments.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”
- King Noah’s priests knew the commandments but did not have them “written in [their] hearts” (Mosiah 13:11). How will you help your children know the commandments and love them? Maybe they could write the commandments from Mosiah 12:33–36 and 13:11–24 on heart-shaped pieces of paper. As they do, talk with them about what these commandments mean and how to follow them. How do we write these commandments in our hearts?
Old Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Commandments”
- You could also sing together a song about commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). What blessings come from keeping the commandments?
Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Print or draw some road signs that help you stay safe, like stop signs, speed limits, and other warnings. Take turns holding up the signs and having people follow them in pretend cars! What would driving be like without those signs?
Abinadi taught about the Ten Commandments (see Mosiah 13:12–24). How does following the commandments keep you safe and happy?
Friend May 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”
King Noah’s priests knew the commandments but did not follow them.
Show a picture of Moses with the Ten Commandments and briefly explain how Moses received the commandments from God (see Exodus 19–20).Then show a picture of Abinadi (see this week’s outline. Abinadi reminded King Noah and his priests about the Ten Commandments.
Give the children heart-shaped pieces of paper, and invite them to write one or more of the Ten Commandments on their hearts (see Mosiah 13:11)—perhaps one they feel they should try harder to obey. Assign each child to read one of the commandments in Mosiah 12:35 and 13:11–24. Help the children think of creative ways to help each other remember each commandment (such as a rhyming phrase, an action, or an acronym). The song “The Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 112–13) can also help.
Teaching Children the Gospel: Obedience, Commandments
God Gives Commandments Because He Wants Me to Be Happy.
I am blessed when I obey God’s commandments.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” Would it help your children to compare God’s commandments to shoes, hats, gloves, or other things that protect us? Maybe you could let them try on some as you talk about how the commandments protect us. Then you could read 2 Nephi 1:20, emphasizing that we “prosper” (are blessed or protected) as we keep the commandments. Share an experience when you were blessed or protected by following the commandments.
Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” Heavenly Father’s commandments are His loving way of helping us stay safe and return to Him.
- He tells us not to smoke or use drugs so our bodies can stay healthy.
- He tells us to be honest so others can trust us.
- He tells us to keep the Sabbath day holy so we can keep our spirits strong and rest our bodies and minds.
When you think about it, every commandment is like a love letter from our Heavenly Father. Each one says, “I love you. I want you to be safe and happy. And I want you to come back to Me.”
Friend February 2024 “Bug Bites and Blessings” Carlos wish he had listened to his mother and put sunscreen and bug spray on when he went for a hike. Now his skin hurt all over with bug bites and sunburn. His mother said, “I think that’s how a lot of Heavenly Father’s children feel when they disobey Him. They wish they’d listened to Him. And He hurts for His children when they’re in pain.”
Friend February 2024 “How to Be Happy” President Dallin H. Oaks “The prophet Lehi taught that “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Heavenly Father created us to have joy. He wants us to return to Him. He wants us to be happy in this life. How do we seek happiness or joy? King Benjamin invited his people to “consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things” (Mosiah 2:41). Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love you. Their plan for us is the “great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). That plan and Their commandments lead us to the greatest happiness and joy. I urge each of you to seek the joy that comes from keeping the commandments of God.”
Friend August 2020 “Happiness and Obedience” God gives us commandments to bless us and bring us joy. Trying to obey all of God’s commandments will:
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To illustrate the difference between prospering and being cut off from God (see 2 Nephi 1:20), you and your children could look at a healthy plant and a leaf or branch that has been cut off from the plant. Then your children could review choices that Nephi and his brothers made (see 1 Nephi 2:11–16; 3:5–7; 18:9–11). What were the results of these choices? What choices help us stay connected to God?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 What is the difference between a leaf that is on the plant and one that has been cut off? How are we like the leaf on the plant when we obey God’s commandments?
See Obedience and Commandments
Being wise means trusting in God’s wisdom. (Sr)
Ask the children to read 1 Corinthians 1:23–25 and find the words wisdom and foolishness. Explain that many people thought Paul’s teachings were foolish, but Paul explained that believing Christ’s gospel is true wisdom. Why is it wise to believe what God teaches? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 1–7” )
Liahona June 2021 [God] is the Father of our spirits. He loves each of His children perfectly. God is perfect, has all power, and knows everything. He is just, merciful, and kind. We lived as spirits with God before we were born. He sent us to earth to learn and grow. God’s greatest desire is for each of His children to return to live with Him again after we die. God teaches us that we must follow Jesus Christ to return to God’s presence.
While it’s good—even encouraged—to seek wisdom wherever we can find it (see 2 Nephi 9:29; Doctrine and Covenants 88:118), Paul gave some strongly worded warnings about flawed human wisdom, which he called “the wisdom of this world.” As you read 1 Corinthians 1:17–25, ponder what this phrase might mean. What do you think Paul meant by the “wisdom of God”? Why do we need God’s wisdom to accomplish God’s work? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 1–7”
Help the children role-play how they could respond to people who think God’s commandments are “foolish”—such as the commandment to have faith in the Savior, keep the Word of Wisdom, or obey the law of tithing. For example, they could testify of the blessings that come from living these teachings.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 1–7” )
Share an experience when others thought that your beliefs were foolish, or share an example from the scriptures. Let the children share similar experiences. How can 1 Corinthians 1:25 help us remain faithful when others call our beliefs foolish? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 1–7” )
Friend August 2023 “Trouble at the Park” Hunter’s friends started saying bad words at the park. They wanted him to say one too. He told them he doesn’t say those words. His friends said that one word won’t hurt. He decides to play somewhere else in the park.
Friend November 2018 “Finders Keepers?” Mike finds some money on the school grounds and takes it to the office even though his friends think they should keep it and spend it.
New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “1 Corinthians 1–4” Many who lived in Corinth valued worldly wisdom. The message of a crucified Messiah didn’t make sense to many Jews and Gentiles. In the Roman world, the punishment of crucifixion symbolized shame and defeat. The idea of someone willingly suffering for others was “foolishness” to the Greeks ( 1 Corinthians 1:23). For the Jews, a Messiah who died on a cross was a “stumbling block” ( 1 Corinthians 1:23) because they expected the Messiah to conquer their enemies.
Why Should We Keep the Commandments
Friend August 2020 “Happiness and Obedience” God gives us commandments to bless us and bring us joy. Trying to obey all of God’s commandments will:
Keeps Us Safe
Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” An explanation for why it matters that we keep the commandments. For example: How would it feel flying with a pilot who didn’t follow the rules of aviation? What about riding on a bus with a driver who didn’t stop at red lights? The commandments help keep us safe.
Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Print or draw some road signs that help you stay safe, like stop signs, speed limits, and other warnings. Take turns holding up the signs and having people follow them in pretend cars! What would driving be like without those signs?
Abinadi taught about the Ten Commandments (see Mosiah 13:12–24). How does following the commandments keep you safe and happy?
Friend May 2022 “Keeping Rufus Safe” Estelle accidentally broke some plates. Estelle tries to prevent Rufus, her dog, him from walking on the broken pieces and cutting his paws. He doesn’t listen at first when she tells him to stop. She realizes that commandments Heavenly Father gives are meant to help keep us safe too.
‘To Help Us Return to Live With Him
God Promises Blessings When I Obey Him.
Doctrine and Covenants 82:8–10
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”
As they grow, children may wonder why God gives us so many commandments. You can help the children understand that He gives us commandments to bless us.
- Help the children think of commandments that God has given us (see, for example, Exodus 20:4–17; Matthew 22:37–39; Doctrine and Covenants 89:5–17). Draw pictures on the board to help the children understand and remember these commandments. Give examples of how God’s commandments can bless and protect us.
- Read to the children, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say” (Doctrine and Covenants 82:10). Ask the children to repeat this phrase several times with you, and think of ways to help them remember it, such as inviting them to clap to the rhythm of the phrase. Testify that when we obey God’s commandments, He keeps His promises to us.
- Invite the children to imagine they have a friend who thinks that God has given too many commandments. Ask them to search Doctrine and Covenants 82:8–10 for something that would help their friend understand why God gives commandments. Share how God’s commandments have blessed you, and invite the children to share their thoughts as well.
- To help the children understand Heavenly Father’s promises to us, divide the class into three groups, and give each group one of the following scriptures to read: Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38; 82:10; 130:20–21. Invite them to share what they learn about Heavenly Father’s promises. How does our obedience affect the blessings we can receive? Help the children think of examples from their lives or from the scriptures when obedience brought blessings from God.
- Share a personal experience that testifies of the principles taught in Doctrine and Covenants 82:8–10. How have you come to trust in the Lord and His promises?
Perhaps a simple game would help your family feel thankful for God’s commandments. One family member could give instructions to help a blindfolded family member make a sandwich or go through an obstacle course. Think of something fun and creative! Then discuss how God’s commandments are like the instructions in this game
“Why is Being Obedient So Important” (April 2015 Liahona and Friend)
Learn about Elder Russell M. Nelson and why he believes it’s important to be Obedient.
Friend March 2007 “Try, Try, Try” Find the path to Eternal Life.
Also see Commandments and Resources for Teaching Children: Commandments and Obedience for more teaching ideas.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17” Invite the children to count to 10. Or give them 10 numbered pieces of paper and let them put the papers in order. Explain that Heavenly Father gave us Ten Commandments to help us return to live with Him. Help the children recite with you some of the Ten Commandments from Mosiah 12:33–36 and 13:11–24.
Show a picture of Moses with the Ten Commandments and briefly explain how Moses received the commandments from God (see Exodus 19–20). Abinadi reminded King Noah and his priests about the Ten Commandments.
Give the children heart-shaped pieces of paper, and invite them to write one or more of the Ten Commandments on their hearts (see Mosiah 13:11)—perhaps one they feel they should try harder to obey.
The parable in Doctrine and Covenants 101:43–62 was given to explain why the Lord had allowed the Saints to be driven out of Zion. As you read these verses, do you see any similarities between yourself and the servants in the parable? How might a lack of faith or commitment allow “the enemy” to have influence in my life? How can I show God that I’m “willing to be guided in a right and proper way for [my] salvation”? (see verses 63–65).
Liahona September 2021 “The Parable of the Nobleman: A Lesson in Obedience” Have you, like the servants, ever wondered if a commandment was really necessary? This parable teaches us that the Lord’s commandments protect us and help us live happy lives
If I obey the commandments, I can receive eternal life.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” Jesus taught the rich young man that to gain eternal life—a life like Heavenly Father has—he should obey the commandments.
- Tell the story of the rich young man in Mark 10:17–22 to the children. (See also “Chapter 42: The Rich Young Man,” in New Testament Stories, 105–6, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Ask them to listen for what Jesus told the young man to do and how the young man responded.
- Tell one or more stories about children who ask for advice or direction from their parents but don’t follow or obey.
“Lost in a Blizzard” (January 2004 Friend) Danny asks his dad if he can ride the snow mobile over a hill during a blizzard. His father tells him he needs to stay on the road. He doesn’t listen to his father and drives over the hill and gets lost in the blizzard.
“Listen to Learn” (July 1992 Friend)
Elder Russell M. Nelson tells a story about a young woman who asked her father if it was okay to go out with a young man. Her father had a bad feeling about it so he asked her not to go. She went anyway and died in an accident after the young man drank alcohol and went too fast around a corner.
- What are some things Heavenly Father asks us to do? How do we feel when we obey His commandments?
Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 16” Have the children draw lines that will connect each word on the left to a word on the right to make a statement about choosing the right.
Ensign September 2016 Circle ways you can choose the right.
- How do we feel when we obey His commandments?
Friend October 2018 “I was trick-or-treating with friends and found $200. I told my mom about it. Later as we were walking down the street, a lady was looking for $200 that she had lost. She was so happy that we found it, and she gave me $10 for being honest. I shared $5 with my friends. I felt warm and happy because I was honest and chose the right. Leah D., age 6, Kentucky, USA“
Friend July 2018 “Show and Tell” I was playing with a friend who showed me a video. At first it was funny, but then a character said a bad word. When I hear bad words, it feels bad in my body, so I asked him if we could do something else. He said OK. I felt happy inside! Javaan F., age 9, North Carolina, USA
If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments
I show my love for God when I keep His commandments. (Jr)
Read 1 John 5:3, and ask the children to listen for what this verse says about how we can show that we love God. Invite the children to name as many commandments as they can. How do we feel when we obey Heavenly Father’s commandments? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
Invite the children to draw a picture showing one way they can show Heavenly Father that they love Him. For example, they could draw a picture of themselves keeping one of the commandments.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
Sing together a song about obedience, such as “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61). How do we feel when we obey? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
I show my love for God when I keep His commandments. (Sr)
Invite the children to list on the board ways they can show God that they love Him. Then read together 1 John 2:5–6; 5:2–5 for additional ideas. How does obeying the commandments show that we love Heavenly Father? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1–3 John; Jude” Are there any commandments that we consider “grievous” or difficult to follow? How does our love for God change the way we feel about His commandments?
Read 1 John 4:17, and explain to the children that to “have boldness in the day of judgment” means having confidence and peace when they stand before God to be judged. What does this verse teach that we need to do to have this confidence? What are some things we can do now to be confident before God? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
- “Where Do You Stand?” (June 2013 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how you could become more loving to others.
The Red Crystal
I show my love for Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17” Help the children understand that they can show the Savior they love Him by keeping His commandments.
- Help the children recite John 14:15. Ask them to say “If ye love me” when you hold up a paper heart. Ask them to say “Keep my commandments” when you hold up the scriptures.
- Help the children think of some of Jesus’s commandments. Invite them to suggest ways they can keep each commandment. Testify that doing these things shows our love for Jesus Christ.
Old Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Commandments” The ten commandments.
- Sing together a song about the commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47).
- Play the game on this week’s activity page with the children.
Latter Day Kids “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments” Lesson ideas
I show my love for Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17” As you read these passages in your personal study, think about the children you teach. How will they be blessed when they understand that their obedience to the Savior is a sign of their love for Him?
List some laws and commandments that you feel demonstrate Heavenly Father’s love for you. To help you think of some commandments, you might review the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20:3–17) or For the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2011]. New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 14:15–31; 15:10–14”
- Invite the children to share ways Jesus showed He was obedient to Heavenly Father. Show pictures from the Savior’s life to help them (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 34–35, 56–57). Ask the children to talk about times when they obeyed Heavenly Father.
Jesus Christ gave us the perfect example of how to obey God’s laws and commandments out of pure love. After the Last Supper, He said, “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do” (John 14:31). New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 14:15–31; 15:10–14”
- Invite a child to read John 14:15. Let the children take turns drawing pictures that represent someone keeping a commandment, while the rest of the children guess what he or she is drawing. For examples of commandments, see the For the Strength of Youth booklet (2022). How does keeping these commandments show the Savior that we love Him?
Friend June 1999 “Keep the Commandments”
Moses had spent his life preparing the children of Israel to enter that promised land, and the book of Deuteronomy records his final instructions, reminders, exhortations, and pleadings with the Israelites.
(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”)
Moses proclaims, The Lord our God is one Lord, and, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God—The children of Israel are commanded to teach their children—Moses exhorts them to keep the commandments, testimonies, and statutes of the Lord that they may prosper.
I can love the Lord with all my heart.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34” Moses taught the children of Israel that they should love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might. Think of ways you can help the children you teach increase their love for Heavenly Father and the Savior.
- Draw on the board a heart, an outline of a body, and a strong arm. Read Deuteronomy 6:5, and point to the pictures as you read the words “heart,” “soul,” and “might.” Invite the children to take turns pointing to the pictures as the class repeats the scripture passage with you.
- Sing a song that teaches about God’s love, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Help the children find words in the song that show that Heavenly Father loves us. Help them think of ways we can show Him we love Him too.
Ensign September “What Does it Mean to Love God with All Your Heart?” As we love someone else with all our hearts, we make them a priority in our lives. We give them our time, energy, talent, and resources.
Jesus Christ taught: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
To love God with all of our hearts, we use our time, energy, talents and resources to keep His commandments.
Book of Mormon Central “What Does It Mean to Love God with “All Thy Mind”?” In a world that is constantly competing for our attention, we are asked by God to choose Him by giving of our entire mind—our will, intelligence, talents, gratitude, trust, humility, and loyalty—to Him. God loves us perfectly, and our eternal welfare is at the top of His agenda.19 If we are His priority, why shouldn’t He also be ours?
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Inspiring Words” Lesson ideas
Latter Day Kids “Love God with All Thine Heart” Lesson ideas
The Lord Will Bless Me if I Keep His Commandments.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”
Several times in section 104, the Lord promises “a multiplicity of blessings” to those who faithfully obey His commandments. How will you help the children feel that He wants to bless us generously?
- Invite the children to do an action, like wiggling their fingers, each time they hear the word “blessings” as you read Doctrine and Covenants 104:42. Tell the children how Heavenly Father has blessed you for keeping His commandments. Ask the children to share how He has blessed them. Invite each child to share a commandment they can obey.
- To help the children understand what “multiplicity” means, draw a circle on the board or a piece of paper. Ask the children to help you multiply the number of circles—drawing two, then four, then eight, then sixteen, and so on—until the entire board or paper is full of circles. Each time you add circles, help the children think of a blessing Heavenly Father has given them. Explain that “a multiplicity of blessings” means the Lord will fill our lives with blessings if we obey His commandments.
“Happiness and Obedience” (August 2020 Liahona and Friend)
President Russell M. Nelson shares some blessings we receive when we try to keep all the commandments.
Friend February 2015 “The Blessing Quest” Nathan wants to ride bikes with his friends instead of going to church, but he learns that commandments are meant to help us be happy. He goes to church and is blessed.
Friend September 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”
Families, cities, and countries have rules to keep people safe. Heavenly Father gives us rules, or commandments, too. Talk about some of these rules and commandments and why it’s important to follow them, even if it’s hard sometimes. Help your little ones say, “I can obey the commandments.”
Friend September 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”
- Sing “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162).
- Jesus taught that if we keep the commandments, we will be blessed (see Doctrine and Covenants 103:7).
- Have one person say “Jesus said” and then tell something Jesus has asked us to do. Then do an action that goes with the words. For example, if the person says, “Jesus said to love everyone,” you could make a heart with your hands. If the person says, “Jesus said to pray,” you could fold your arms. Take turns telling what Jesus said.
One of God’s most repeated promises in the Book of Mormon is that if the Nephites kept the commandments, they would prosper.
Read Jarom 1:7-9 to see some of the ways the Nephites prospered in the land and were blessed.
Read Jarom 1:5, 10-12 and have the family make a list of what the Nephites did that enabled them to be blessed and prosper.
What do you learn from these accounts that can help you “prosper in the land”?
Keeping God’s commandments brings peace.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40–49”The Lord promises peace like “a river” and righteousness like “the waves of the sea” to those who keep His commandments.
- Read to the children Isaiah 48:18. Invite them to move their hands and arms like a river and waves. Talk about how keeping God’s commandments has helped you feel peaceful like a river or strong like a wave.
- Draw a river on the board. Help the children think of commandments God has given us. Write those commandments on pieces of paper (or draw simple pictures of them), and let the children take turns attaching the commandments to the river on the board. Help the children learn how keeping the commandments brings peace.
Red Crystal has some good activity ideas for this part of the lesson.
- Sing together a song about commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). What does this song teach about why we should keep God’s commandments?
Friend September 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Waves of the Seas
Story: Isaiah taught that if we keep the commandments, we will have peace like a river and “righteousness as the waves of the sea” (Isaiah 48:18).
Song: “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47)
Activity: Make your own “waves of the sea”! Fill an empty bottle or jar halfway with water and turn it blue with food coloring. Fill the rest with oil. Put the cap on tightly. Then gently tilt the bottle back and forth to watch the waves! How does keeping the commandments help you feel peace?
Blessings Come From Obedience to God.
Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21; 132:5, 21–23
20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”
- Share a simple comparison with the children that shows how important it is to follow instructions; for example, talk with them about the steps we must follow to prepare food or play a game or build something. What happens when we don’t follow the instructions? (Maybe you have a personal experience you can share.) Read Doctrine and Covenants 130:21, and compare these instructions to the commandments we must follow to receive blessings from Heavenly Father.
- Ask the children if they can think of a time when they obeyed one of God’s commandments. How did they feel? Sing together a song about obedience, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47), and identify blessings of obedience mentioned in the song. Discuss some of the things God has commanded us to do. How does God bless us when we keep those commandments?
- Sing a song about obedience, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47), and invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21and 132:5. Help them find words and ideas in the verses that are similar to those in the song. How do we receive blessings from God? Ask the children to share how they have been blessed for obeying God’s laws.
- Read together Doctrine and Covenants 132:21–23, and invite the children to draw pictures to represent what they learn from these verses. Encourage them to be creative, and suggest that they include in their drawings the laws or commandments that help us stay on the narrow way to eternal life.
Friend March 1997 “My Choices Have Consequences” Turn the top disk to see a commandment from Heavenly Father. Read the scripture in the other window to find out what blessings are promised to those who keep that commandment. (Link page includes additional lesson ideas.)
You could sing a song about gratitude, such as “Count Your Blessings” (Hymns, no. 241), and make a list of the blessings your family has received for obeying God’s laws. What blessings do we hope to receive? How can we receive those blessings?
Latter Day Kids “Obeying God’s Commandments Leads to Happiness” Lesson ideas
For additional teaching ideas see Commandments, Obedience and Resources for Teaching Children: Commandments, Obedience
As I Keep the Commandments, God will Teach Me His Truths.
The “mysteries of [God’s] kingdom” are available only to those who keep God’s commandments. This is why they are mysteries to many people. This principle will help the children as they seek truth.
- Write on the board If I keep the commandments, then , and ask the children to write on the board different ways to finish the sentence. Ask them to read Doctrine and Covenants 63:23 and find something they can add to their list. Show the children a glass of water, and ask them how the truths of the gospel are like water to us. (As water is essential to sustain physical life, the Savior and His teachings (living water) are essential for eternal life. Guide to the Scriptures)
- Show the children a picture of a well, and ask them to draw a picture of one. After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 63:23, help them think of truths they know about the gospel, and invite them to write these truths around their wells. How are these truths like “living water”? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 63)
A mystery is something people don’t understand. He gives us commandments and scriptures to show us how to gain eternal life and bring salvation to our souls.
Explain that the Holy Ghost will also teach us and guide us, but to receive his help we must do things that will invite him to continue to be with us. Make two columns on the chalkboard. Label one Invites the Spirit and the other Offends the Spirit. Help the children understand that the Spirit (the Holy Ghost) is very important in our lives. Explain that good things invite the Spirit into our lives while bad things offend the Spirit and cause him to leave (see Moroni 7:12–13). Ask the children to think of actions to list in each column, such as listening to good music and being kind under Invites the Spirit and quarreling and being dishonest under Offends the Spirit. Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 7: Joseph Smith Translates the Gold Plates,”
Teaching Children the Gospel: Obedience, Commandments
A Disciple is Someone who Receives God’s Law and Obeys it.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”
- Write Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 on a piece of paper, leaving blanks where the word “disciple” should be. Ask the children to fill in the blanks, looking in Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 if they need help. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? A disciple is someone who receives God’s law and obeys it. Share how you are striving to be a better disciple of Christ.
- After discussing Doctrine and Covenants 41:5, ask the children to think of laws we have received from the Lord. Invite them to take turns acting out obeying one of those laws while the rest of the class tries to guess what it is.
- Give each class member a strip of paper, and ask them to write on it one way they can be a better disciple. Invite each child to share what they wrote, and then tape the strips together to create a paper chain.
I Can Obey God’s Laws.
Doctrine and Covenants 42:2 Doctrine and Covenants 42
As the Church grew and members gathered in Kirtland, Ohio, the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith what He called His “law” and commanded the Saints to “hearken and hear and obey” it. How can you help the children understand that we are blessed when we are obedient? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”)
Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Chapter 18: The Law of the Church”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”
- Read Doctrine and Covenants 42:2, emphasizing the word “obey.” Give the children a few simple scenarios in which a child chooses to obey or disobey a law or rule. Ask the children to listen carefully and smile if the person in the story obeys and frown if the person disobeys. Share blessings you have received when you have obeyed God’s laws.
- Play a game by giving the children a rule to follow. For instance, you could tell them that they must raise their hands and be called on to answer questions. Then let them practice obeying by asking them questions and calling on those who raise their hands. What laws has God given us?
- Complete the activity page with the children, or sing a song about obeying God’s laws, such as “I Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Songbook, 148). Tell the children how obeying God’s laws has brought you happiness.
‘What are some examples of civil laws, and how do those laws benefit us? How do Heavenly Father’s laws or commandments bless us? Family members could draw pictures of themselves obeying God’s laws. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”
Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” An explanation for why it matters that we keep the commandments. For example: How would it feel flying with a pilot who didn’t follow the rules of aviation? What about riding on a bus with a driver who didn’t stop at red lights? The commandments help keep us safe.
Song Idea
Sing together a song about commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). Why do we keep the commandments?
.Doctrine and Covenants 77:14.
This verse explains that John ate a book that represented his mission to gather Israel. What does the symbolism of eating suggest about how we should approach our role in gathering Israel or doing other things the Lord wants us to do? Here are some other scriptures in which eating is used to teach a spiritual truth: John 6:48–51; 2 Nephi 32:3; Moroni 4. Perhaps you could make a favorite family dish to eat together during this discussion.
I Can Obey the Lord’s Commandments Even When I Don’t Understand the Reasons for Them.
Doctrine and Covenants 105:9–19
The experience of Zion’s Camp can be a powerful way to illustrate the blessings that come from seeking to follow the Lord’s will.
For the Strength of Youth September 2021 “A Test of Faith”
Doctrine and Covenant Scripture Stories “Chapter 36: Zion’s Camp” Video and Images
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”
- Read together Doctrine and Covenants 105:13–14, and explain that when Zion’s Camp reached Missouri, the Lord told them to not try to take back the Saints’ land. Some members of the camp were upset and wondered why they’d been commanded to go there. What should we do when we don’t understand the reasons for a commandment? Share some accounts from “Voices of the Restoration: Zion’s Camp” (in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families) to help the children see that blessings come when we obey the commandments God gives us through His prophets, even if we don’t understand all the reasons.
The Saints in Kirtland were heartbroken to hear that their brothers and sisters in Jackson County, Missouri, were being driven from their homes. It must have been encouraging, then, when the Lord declared that “the redemption of Zion” would “come by power” (Doctrine and Covenants 103:15). With that promise in their hearts, over 200 men, plus about 25 women and children, enlisted in what they called the Camp of Israel, later known as Zion’s Camp. Its mission was to march to Missouri and redeem Zion.
To the members of the camp, redeeming Zion meant restoring the Saints to their land. But just before the camp arrived in Jackson County, the Lord told Joseph Smith to stop and disband Zion’s Camp. Some members of the camp were confused and upset by this new instruction; to them, it meant the expedition failed and the Lord’s promises were not fulfilled. Others, however, saw it differently. While the exiled Saints never returned to Jackson County, the experience did bring a degree of “redemption” to Zion, and it did “come by power.” Faithful members of Zion’s Camp, many of whom later became leaders of the Church, testified that the experience deepened their faith in God’s power, in Joseph Smith’s divine call, and in Zion—not just Zion the place but Zion the people of God. Rather than questioning the value of this seemingly unsuccessful task, they learned that the real task is to follow the Savior, even when we don’t understand everything. This is how Zion, ultimately, will be redeemed.
See Saints, 1:194–206; “The Acceptable Offering of Zion’s Camp,” Revelations in Context, 213–18.
Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Zion’s Camp”
Liahona September 2021 “Zion’s Camp—Preparing to Serve the Lord”
I can be obedient to Heavenly Father even when it’s hard.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 22; John 18” Jesus showed obedience to the Father when He said, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). How can you help the children learn from Jesus’s example?
- Help the children memorize the phrase “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42) and discuss what it means. What can we do to obey Heavenly Father’s will?
- Help the children identify some reasons it is sometimes hard to do what Heavenly Father wants. What blessings have we received by being obedient to Heavenly Father, even when it was hard?
Friend September 2018 “Just Like Grandpa” William’s dad received a calling to preside over the sign language branch. William is sad he will have to leave his friends, but his mom helps him by telling him a story about his great grandfather Turner who sacrificed to obey the Lord.
For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “The Choice” Ben forgot to write a book report that was due the next day. He has to make a choice whether he will follow God or cheat and copy a book report from the internet.
- What blessings have we received by being obedient to Heavenly Father, even when it was hard?
Liahona February 2023 “Life Isn’t Fair–and That’s OK” But there are certain blessings we can expect as we keep the commandments. We are promised to always have the Spirit to be with us (see Moroni 4:3). And as we turn to the Lord in faith, we will be given strength to face the trials that inevitably come.2
We are promised true joy and peace (the kind that is not determined by our circumstances).3 And we are also promised the greatest gift of all—eternal life. As Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “Your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will be rewarded more than you can imagine.”4
“… Because of Him, we can have peace in this world and be of good cheer. If we let Him, Jesus Christ will consecrate unfairness for our gain [see 2 Nephi 2:2]. He will not just console us and restore what was lost [see Job 42:10, 12–13; Jacob 3:1]; He will use the unfairness for our benefit.”6
“Happiness and Obedience” (August 2020 Liahona and Friend)
President Russell M. Nelson shares some blessings we receive when we try to keep all the commandments.
Ask the children if they can think of a time when they obeyed one of God’s commandments. How did they feel? Sing together a song about obedience, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47), and identify blessings of obedience mentioned in the song. Discuss some of the things God has commanded us to do. How does God bless us when we keep those commandments?