Sep 20 2021

Peacemaker: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is aangry with his brother bwithout a cause shall be cin danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, dRaca, shall be ein danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Friend May 2023 “Be a Peacemaker” Lesson ideas

Friend April 2024 “5 Ways to Be a Peacemaker”

I Can Be a Peacemaker.

Genesis CHAPTER 13

Abram returns from Egypt—He and Lot part—The Lord will make Abram’s seed as the dust of the earth in number—Abram settles in Hebron.

Genesis 13:5–12

Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” When Abraham’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen disagreed over their grazing land, Abraham proposed a solution that brought peace. You can use this example to inspire the children to be peacemakers.

  • Share with the children the story from Genesis 13:5–12, and invite them to act it out. Let the children take turns pretending to be Abraham, his nephew Lot, and the herdsmen. Suggest ways they can follow Abraham’s example of being a peacemaker, such as taking turns with a toy when playing with a friend. Invite them to role-play these examples.

Latter Day Kids “Abraham and Lot” Lesson ideas to go with the above video

  • Read Matthew 5:9, and explain that Jesus wants us to be peacemakers. Help the children think of what they can do to be peacemakers at home or with friends. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves being a peacemaker. Ask the children to share how they feel when they are peacemakers like Jesus Christ.

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”We all face situations that tempt us to become frustrated and contentious. Consider how the story of Abraham and Lot could help the children be peacemakers in such situations.

  • Write Main Characters, Setting, Problem, and Solution on the board. Invite the children to read Genesis 13:5–12 and identify the parts of the story listed on the board. Help the children think of situations when they could be peacemakers, such as when someone argues or tries to fight. Then invite them to role-play how they could be peacemakers in those situations.
  • Help the children find the topics “Peace” and “Peacemaker” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite each child to select a scripture about peace and share what he or she learns with the class. Help them think of some examples of the Savior being a peacemaker, such as in Luke 22:50–51. How can we follow His example?
  • “Matt and Mandy” (October 1994 Friend)
    Mandy learns to be a peacemaker by watching her mother’s example.

Friend June 2018 “Coloring Page”

What did Abraham do to create peace in his family? Perhaps your family members could practice being a peacemaker like Abraham by role-playing how to resolve conflicts that are likely to arise in your family. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

Lesson 10: Abraham and Lot,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 39–4 To strengthen each child’s desire to show love to others.

Additional teaching ideas: Teaching Children the Gospel: Peacemaker and Resources for Teaching Children “Peacemaker”

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Being a Peacemaker: Your New SUPERPOWER”

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 23:7 together and talk about how the Anti-Nephi-Lehies promised never to hurt people ever again. Draw weapons on pieces of paper. As you bury each one under a rug or towel, help your littles ones say, “I will be a peacemaker.”

Friend August 2018 “The No-Fighting Promise” After a few days of staying at cousin Timmy’s house, Madi and Timmy start to fight. Timmy suggests they be like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and make some toy swords and bury them and promise they won’t fight each other anymore. After that they found ways to compromise so they didn’t fight.

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”The Anti-Nephi-Lehies made a promise with God that they wouldn’t fight again. They buried their weapons in the ground (see Alma 23:7, 24:17). Take a small piece of paper and write down something you want to stop doing, like fighting or complaining. Share what you wrote, and promise to do your best to stop doing that thing. Then rip the paper into tiny pieces and bury it in the ground.

Come Follow Me Kid

The Red Crystal

News with Naylors Lesson ideas about contention in the home and finding peace. On the swords write somethings that may be causing contention such as yelling, arguing, not sharing, etc.

I Can Be a Peacemaker.

Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

There are many lessons we can learn from the experiences of Zion’s Camp. One that might be important to the children is that contention and fighting bring difficulties, while unity and peace bring blessings.

  • In your own words, tell the children the story of Zion’s Camp. Pause periodically to point out lessons we can learn from Zion’s Camp—for example, that the Lord wants us to be peaceful and work together instead of arguing and fighting.
  • Read Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40, and ask the children to stand up each time they hear the word “peace.” Explain that the Lord wanted the Saints to make peace with the people who were being unkind. Help the children think of things that they can do to be peacemakers, and invite them to role-play some situations.
  • Share a story about a child being a peacemaker from your own life or from the Friend or Liahona. Sing a song about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), or complete this week’s activity page.

Latter Day Kids “Being a Peacemaker” Video and Lesson Ideas

Friend February 2017

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

Bright Idea Poster: “Blessed are the peacemakers”(October 2010 Friend)

For additional teaching ideas see Resources for Teaching Children “Peacemaker”

Friend May 2022 “Finding Peace in Your Heart” President Nelson address from conference asking us to end conflicts in our lives.

Friend May 2022 “Jesus Was a Peacemaker” Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” He helped people feel peace by serving and blessing them. He still helps us feel peace today.

I made a “get-along bucket.” I filled it with slips of paper that said things that me, my sister, and my brother can do together. On the back of the papers, I wrote Primary songs that we know. I felt the Holy Ghost while I was making the get-along bucket. I felt grateful for my family.

Avalyn G., age 7, Michigan, USA

Friend June 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Being a Peacemaker”

I can be a peacemaker.

Matthew 5:9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 5; Luke 6” The children you teach can have a powerful influence at home as they treat others with love and kindness.

“Lesson 22: Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A Explain that a peacemaker is someone who helps others be happy instead of angry. Peace means calmness and happiness. Explain that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are peacemakers, and each of us can also be a peacemaker. 

Give each child a paper face. Have the children sing or say the words to “Smiles” with you, turning the faces to frowns or smiles as suggested by the words.

Ask the children to turn their paper faces to show how they think the people in the below pictures feel.

Friend June 2017
Friend July 2021
Friend November 2020
Friend July 2019
Friend June 2017, Friend June 2018, Friend November 2020, Friend July 2019
  • Why do you think all these people feel happy?

Ask the children to turn the faces to show how they think family members would feel if they were arguing and fighting.

  • Why does arguing and fighting make family members sad?

Have the children turn their paper faces to the sad face and each tell something that would make a family sad. Then have the children turn their paper faces to the happy face and tell things that make their families happy.

  • Do you like it better when your family is happy or when your family is sad?

Collect the faces so they won’t distract the children. Return them at the end of class so the children can take them home.

  • Read Matthew 5:9 to the children, and explain that peacemakers make any place peaceful, no matter where they are. Write on strips of paper some examples of contentious situations the children might face (for example, siblings fighting over a toy). Invite each child to pick a strip of paper. As you read each scenario, ask the children to share how they could be a peacemaker in that situation. Or share a few fictional scenarios, and help the children identify whether or not the people involved are being peacemakers.

“Lesson 22: Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A Describe some situations to the children and help them think of and act out the way a peacemaker would act in each situation. Help the children think of ways everyone involved in the situation can be happy. Use the situations below or create some of your own:

  1. You are quietly looking at a book when your sister comes over and grabs the book out of your hands because she wants to read it.
    • How would you like to be treated?
    • What will you say or do if you are a peacemaker?
  2. You go to the kitchen to get one of your favorite cookies. Your brother runs to the cookie jar, takes the last cookie, and eats it. You are angry.
    • How would you like to be treated?
    • What will you say or do if you are a peacemaker?
  3. You and your friend are drawing pictures. She teases you for coloring a tree purple. Your feelings are hurt, and you think of a mean name to call her.
    • How would you like to be treated?
    • What will you say or do if you are a peacemaker?

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Being a Peacemaker: Your New SUPERPOWER”

Bright Idea Poster: “Blessed are the peacemakers”(October 2010 Friend)

  • Invite a few of the children’s parents to visit your class and share examples of times when their children were peacemakers in the home.

I can be a peacemaker.

Matthew 5:9, 21–24, 38–47

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 5; Luke 6” Jesus taught that peacemakers will be called the children of God. How can you inspire the children to be peacemakers?

Explain that a peacemaker is someone who helps others be happy instead of angry. Peace means calmness and happiness. Explain that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are peacemakers, and each of us can also be a peacemaker. 

  • Invite a child to read Matthew 5:9 aloud. What is a peacemaker? What are ways we can be peacemakers with our families and friends? (For some ideas, see verses 21–24, 38–47.)

Friend February 2017

  • Ask each child to think of a situation that would need the help of a peacemaker. What would a peacemaker do in the situation?

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Being a Peacemaker: Your New SUPERPOWER”

  • Invite the children to share times when they showed love for someone, even if that person was different from them or was difficult to love.

Friend April 2015 “Flowers and Friends” A girl in Jenny’s class keeps demanding Jenny’s flowers that other classmates can only take if Jenny is talking. Jenny prays about it and tries to be a friend to the girl.

Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Friend February 1988

Friend February 1988

A Soft Answer Turneth Away Wrath

Proverbs 15:1, 18

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” In tense or frustrating situations, we may be tempted to respond with anger. Proverbs 15:1, 18 teaches us how we can turn away anger.

  • Read Proverbs 15:1 to the children, and explain any words or phrases that might be unfamiliar to them. Share a few examples of situations in which a child might feel angry (such as an argument with a brother or sister). Help them think of “soft answers,” or kind words, they could use instead of angry words. Help them practice saying these things softly or in a calm voice.

Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.

Friend January 2018 “Lucas and the Bully” Lucas stood up to a bully, but the words he used hurt the bullies feelings. Lucas apologizes and invites the bully to play and they become friends

Latter Day Kids “Kind Words” Lesson ideas

Friend May 2019 “Choosing Kind Words” Selene called Adriana a mean name when she missed the ball. Adriana told Selene that it hurt her feelings and asked her not to say that. Selene apologized. (Also a lesson idea about kind words children can use and when to use them. Have children tell which ones Adriana and Selene used.)

  • Sing a song about kindness, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). What does the song teach us about being kind?
  • To help the children understand what it means to be “slow to anger” (Proverbs 15:18), tell a personal story about when you (or someone you know) felt angry but chose to be kind. Let the children share their own experiences too. Help the children think of things they can do instead of becoming angry. For example, they could think about Jesus, ask Heavenly Father to help them, sing a Primary song to themselves, or, if possible, just walk away.

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA

Friend March 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” Sometimes my siblings and I argue and fight. What can I do to get along with them better? (See more at link)

Practice: How do our words affect the spirit in our home? Perhaps family members could practice giving “a soft answer” to “grievous words” and try to use what they learn in their interactions with each other. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022

Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” Speaking in anger often makes a tense situation even worse. These verses teach that our words and our attitudes can turn away wrath or anger.

  • Write the words wrath and strife on the board, and share an example of an argument that children might have. Then ask the children to read Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32 and find advice they could give to the children who are arguing. Each time the children share an idea, invite them to erase part of the words on the board. Invite them to replace those words with others describing Christlike attributes that bring peace.


“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

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Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA

Friend May 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Ideas on how to get along with siblings.

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  • Help the children think of accounts in the scriptures when the Savior exemplified what is taught in Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32. For ideas, they could look in John 8:1–11; 18:1–11. Sing together a song about the Savior’s example, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79). How can we follow Jesus’s example as we interact with family members, friends, and others?
Media Library ” The Betrayal of Jesus Christ”
Media Library “Life of Jesus Christ: Woman Taken in Adultery”

Friend September 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Proverbs is a book of wise sayings. One proverb says to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (Proverbs 3:5). Another proverb says that “a soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).

Song: “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145)

Activity: On page 40 read about using kind words. Then cut out some paper hearts and write kind notes or helpful sayings on them to give to others. You could even hide the hearts for others to find!

Friend September 2022 “What’s on Your Mind”

Friend November 2019 “Kindness Flowers” A kindness game like the game “hangman” you can play with a friend or family member. Think of a kind word that describes the other person. Have the other person guess which letters are in the mystery word. If they guess correctly, write that letter in the blank. If they guess a letter that’s not in the word, draw a petal on the flower and write that letter in it.’

Friend August 2015
Friend August 2015

Friend September 2015 – “Sticks and Stones” Boy makes peace after argument with brother.

Friend September 2015
Friend September 2015
Sep 20 2021

Sharing: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

Friend July 2016 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for teaching children to share.

  • Sing a simple rhyme or song when your children need a sharing reminder, like, “Sharing our toys is fun to do!” or “I can share to show I care!”
  • Before friends come over, ask your child if he or she would like to pick a favorite toy to not share, like a prized stuffed animal or favorite truck. Put that toy away before the playdate.
  • Set a timer to help children take turns. Sometimes children think that letting someone else play with a toy means they’ll never get it back.
  • Make sharing a part of everyday life. Practice sharing with your child, even when it’s just the two of you, and point out when you’re sharing. Try, “Would you like to have some of my crackers? Look, we’re sharing! May I have a piece of your apple? Thank you for sharing with me!”

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”  Play a game or activity that involves taking turns, like stacking blocks to make a tower. Each time it’s your child’s turn, help them say, “We can work together.”

The Lord Wants Me to Share What I Have with Those In Need.

Section 104 is a revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet. The occasion was likely that of a council meeting of members of the United Firm, which discussed the pressing temporal needs of the Church.

Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

Consider how you will help the children understand the Lord’s way of providing for His people when they are in need.

  • Give the children a few minutes to make a list of blessings God has given them. Encourage them to list as many as they can. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18, looking for answers to questions like these: Who is the true owner of all things? Why does He give them to us? What does He want us to do with these things? Help the children think of ways they can share their blessings with others.

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree”

  • Share an experience in which someone gave you something you needed, and ask the children to share similar experiences. Or show a video about serving others, such as “The Coat” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from these experiences about serving others? Invite the children to be aware of those in need and find someone to serve this week, such as someone at school or especially someone in their family. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105)

Friend July 2021 “Meet Eta from American Samoa” Eta’s mom owns a dessert bakery. Eta and her older sister, Talai, love to share the desserts with their teachers and leaders and with people who might be having a hard time. (includes photo)

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

Friend July 2018

  • Invite the children to search the Children’s Songbook or Hymns for songs that have to do with service or helping others (see the topical indexes). Sing one or two songs together, and talk about what these songs teach us.

Friend September 2021 “For Little Ones”

Friend September 2022 “For Little Friends”

Friend August 2022 “Activity Time” Jamal is learning to share his toys with his little sister. Can you find the items below?

I Can Help Others in Need when I Share with Them

Jacob 2:17–19

The people began to grow wicked during the reign of the second king, wanting lots of riches.

Some of the people in Jacob’s time were very rich and prideful, and they didn’t want to share what they had with people who were poor.

Jacob taught in the temple and told the people to repent of the bad things they were doing.

Jacob taught the following: “And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly (this phrase means that Heavenly Father had blessed them), that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are alifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they.” (Jacob 2:13)

Jacob taught that we should clothe the naked, and feed the hungry, liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. (Jacob 2:19)

Friend April 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Jacob taught that we should be “free with [our] substance” (Jacob 2:17). That means sharing what we have with others. Make a treat to share with some neighbors or friends!

For younger children: Even small acts of service can help people feel lots of love. Help your children think of a kind thing they can do for someone else.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 1-4”

  • Some of the people in Jacob’s time were very rich, but they didn’t want to share what they had with others. As you read Jacob’s teachings to them in Jacob 2:17–19, you could give your children pictures or objects to hold that go with words or phrases in these verses. You might explain that you are sharing these objects with them; maybe you could then invite them to share the objects with you or with each other. Talk about how you feel when you share. What else could we share with others to help them feel happy?
  • After reading together Jacob 2:17, perhaps your children could name some blessings Heavenly Father has shared with them. Why does He want us to share with each other?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Jacob 1-4”

Jacob 2:12–14, 17–21

  • Invite the children to act out ways they can share what they have with someone in need. Testify that we are blessed as we share with others.
  • Bring something to class that you can share with the children. Give some of it to each child, and explain that you are sharing. Ask them how they felt when you shared with them. How do they feel when they share with others? Help them think of something they could share to help someone feel happy.
  • Tell the children that many people in Jacob’s time became prideful and unkind because they loved riches (see Jacob 2:12–14, 17–21). Invite a few children to read Jacob 2:17–19 out loud, and help them understand any difficult words. What should we seek before we seek riches? What should we seek to do with any riches we receive?
  • Read Jacob 2:17 to the children. What blessings has Heavenly Father shared with us? Why does He want us to share with each other? Invite the children to share times when they shared something with someone else, including how they felt and how the other person felt.

Story Ideas

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

Friend November 1987 “Hand-Me-Down Box” Leigh is fortunate to have a caring friend who shares her hand-me-down clothes with her. She wants to grow up to be someone who shares with others.

  • Was there someone in the story who was prideful and made fun of Leigh for her hand-me-down clothes?

Jacob taught the following: Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. Jacob 2:17 

  • What does it mean to think of others like unto yourselves? (Treat others like you would like to be treated, and give to others like you would give to yourself. (Think about the things you need and then help others who don’t have those types of things so they can have them too.)

Friend December 2019 “Martin’s Favorite Toys” Martin was not happy about having to move, but eventually he got used to his new home. One Sunday, he noticed a lot of new people at church. He found out that they were refugees. He wanted to help them, but he didn’t want to give them any of his toys. Then he realized that many of the children had to leave everything behind. He remembered how hard it was for him to move, but at least he got to bring his things with him. He then wanted to give them his favorite toys to help them be happier.

Friend December 2019
Friend December 2019

Invite the children to think of something they could share to help someone feel happy.

Cut out the arrow, and attach it to the center of the circle. Spin the arrow, and tell about how you can share what the arrow points to. CFM for Primary: BofM

Friend March 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Play a sharing game. Give each person a toy and set a timer. When it dings, everyone should run to someone else and say, “God is happy when I share!” and trade toys.

Friend July 2018 “Coloring Page: I Can Share with Others”

I can share what I have with others.

Proverbs 22:9

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” Young children can learn to help people around them who are in need. How can you inspire them to share what they have with others?

  • Show the children several pictures of others serving or helping people in need, including pictures of the Savior (such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 42, 44, 46). Ask the children to tell you what is happening in each picture. Read to the children Proverbs 22:9. Explain that one way we can serve is by giving “bread to the poor,” but there are many other ways to help those in need. Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves helping someone.
  • Bring to class several objects that you can share with the children, such as pictures or crayons. As you give one to each child, say, “I will share with [child’s name].” Let the children take turns sharing the objects with each other. What are some other things we can share with others?

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

  • Sing together a song about service, such as “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236). Or show the video “Gordon Hinckley: Lessons I Learned as a Boy” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children how they feel when they help others.
Sep 16 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 102-105

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Section 102 contains the minutes of the meeting in Kirtland, Ohio, where the first high council of the Church was organized. See also Gospel Topics, “Church Councils,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

1–8, A high council is appointed to settle important difficulties that arise in the Church; 9–18, Procedures are given for hearing cases; 19–23, The president of the council renders the decision; 24–34, Appellate procedure is set forth.

Section 103: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 24, 1834. This revelation was received after the arrival in Kirtland, Ohio, of Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight, who had come from Missouri to counsel with the Prophet as to the relief and restoration of the Saints to their lands in Jackson County.

1–4, Why the Lord permitted the Saints in Jackson County to be persecuted; 5–10, The Saints will prevail if they keep the commandments; 11–20, The redemption of Zion will come by power, and the Lord will go before His people; 21–28, The Saints are to gather in Zion, and those who lay down their lives will find them again; 29–40, Various brethren are called to organize Zion’s Camp and go to Zion; they are promised victory if they are faithful.

I Can Be “A Light Unto the World.”

Doctrine and Covenants 103:9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

How can you encourage the children you teach to share the light of the gospel with those around them?

  • Read Doctrine and Covenants 103:9 to the children, and invite them to hold pictures of a light bulb, candle, or other source of light. Ask them to show their picture to someone else in the class. Tell the children how they are like a light to others when they follow Jesus Christ.
  • Sing a song with the children about being an example, such as “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” or “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61, 163). Help them think of actions to go with the words. How can we be a light, or good example, to people around us?

Friend May 2019 “Elder Cook Visits Brazil” He invited everyone to be a light. That means being a good example and helping others, like Jesus did. “When we are a light, we influence the world for the better.”

Craft: Make a light with different colors using a jar and tissue paper. Maybe have the children say how they can be a light at home, in their neighborhood, and at school for each strip of colored paper they add to the jar.

Friend November 2015 “Be a Shing Light” Ways we can become examples so our lights will shine.

Friend November 2015
Friend November 2015

For additional teaching ideas see Example and Resources for Teaching Children “Example“

The Lord Wants Me to Share What I Have with Those In Need.

Section 104 is a revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet. The occasion was likely that of a council meeting of members of the United Firm, which discussed the pressing temporal needs of the Church.

Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

Consider how you will help the children understand the Lord’s way of providing for His people when they are in need.

  • Give the children a few minutes to make a list of blessings God has given them. Encourage them to list as many as they can. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18, looking for answers to questions like these: Who is the true owner of all things? Why does He give them to us? What does He want us to do with these things? Help the children think of ways they can share their blessings with others.

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree”

  • Share an experience in which someone gave you something you needed, and ask the children to share similar experiences. Or show a video about serving others, such as “The Coat” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from these experiences about serving others? Invite the children to be aware of those in need and find someone to serve this week, such as someone at school or especially someone in their family. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105)

Friend July 2021 “Meet Eta from American Samoa” Eta’s mom owns a dessert bakery. Eta and her older sister, Talai, love to share the desserts with their teachers and leaders and with people who might be having a hard time. (includes photo)

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

Friend July 2018

  • Invite the children to search the Children’s Songbook or Hymns for songs that have to do with service or helping others (see the topical indexes). Sing one or two songs together, and talk about what these songs teach us.

The Lord Will Bless Me if I Keep His Commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants 104:42

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.

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.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 28: Zion’s Camp Marches to Missouri,” 

  1. Bring a small piece of rough, slivery wood and a piece of sandpaper (or bring a sharp or jagged stone and a smooth one, and adjust the activity accordingly).
    • What were some of the problems faced by the members of Zion’s Camp? (Answers may include illness, persecution by enemies, quarreling, bad tempers, spoiled food, unsafe water, and sore feet.)As the children name the problems, pass the rough wood around and let them feel it. Compare the rough, slivery wood to God’s children before they are tested with trials and problems.
    • Would you want to use something (such as a spoon or pencil) made out of this piece of wood? Why not?
    • What are some of the tests we face in life? Write the children’s answers on the chalkboard.
    • How can we pass these tests?As you discuss the tests we face and how we can meet them, rub the wood with the sandpaper until at least a part of the wood is smooth. Compare this to the refining influence of facing our problems and overcoming them. As we overcome problems, our imperfections are “smoothed out” and we become better people and more useful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.Pass the wood around again so the children can feel the difference between the rough part and the smooth part.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102–105”

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 a Peacemaker.

Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

There are many lessons we can learn from the experiences of Zion’s Camp. One that might be important to the children is that contention and fighting bring difficulties, while unity and peace bring blessings.

  • In your own words, tell the children the story of Zion’s Camp. Pause periodically to point out lessons we can learn from Zion’s Camp—for example, that the Lord wants us to be peaceful and work together instead of arguing and fighting.
  • Read Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40, and ask the children to stand up each time they hear the word “peace.” Explain that the Lord wanted the Saints to make peace with the people who were being unkind. Help the children think of things that they can do to be peacemakers, and invite them to role-play some situations.
  • Share a story about a child being a peacemaker from your own life or from the Friend or Liahona. Sing a song about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), or complete this week’s activity page.

Latter Day Kids “Being a Peacemaker” Video and Lesson Ideas

Friend February 2017

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

Bright Idea Poster: “Blessed are the peacemakers”(October 2010 Friend)

For additional teaching ideas see Resources for Teaching Children “Peacemaker”

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102–105”

Church Councils

Section 102 contains the minutes of the meeting in Kirtland, Ohio, where the first high council of the Church was organized. Verses 12–23 describe procedures high councils follow when holding membership councils for those who have committed serious transgressions. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102–105”)

President M. Russell Ballard taught, “Members sometimes ask why Church [membership] councils are held. The purpose is threefold: to save the soul of the transgressor, to protect the innocent, and to safeguard the Church’s purity, integrity, and good name” (“A Chance to Start Over: Church Disciplinary Councils and the Restoration of Blessings,” Ensign, Sept. 1990, 15).

See also Gospel Topics, “Church Membership Councils,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Zion can be built only on principles of righteousness.

Doctrine and Covenants 103:1–12, 36; 105:1–19

Why did the Saints lose their promised land in Missouri? And why didn’t the Lord allow Zion’s Camp to restore them to their lands? Certainly the violent actions of Missouri mobs played a role, and the governor of Missouri had pledged support for the Saints but never gave it. But the Lord said that “were it not for the transgressions of my people,” Zion “might have been redeemed” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:2). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 103:1–12, 36; 105:1–19, you may notice some things that hindered the establishment of Zion in Missouri and others that could have helped. What do you learn that can help you establish Zion in your heart and home?

I am a “steward over earthly blessings.”

Doctrine and Covenants 104:11–18, 78–83

In addition to trials in Missouri, in 1834 the Church faced financial difficulties, including heavy debts and expenses. In section 104 the Lord gave counsel on the Church’s financial situation. How can you apply the principles in verses 11–18and 78–83 to your own financial decisions? What has the Lord given us? What does He expect us to do with these things?

To learn about one of the ways the Lord prepared for the Church to be delivered from the bondage of debt, watch “Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story” (video, ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Sep 13 2021

Honesty: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

I Can Be Honest.

Doctrine and Covenants 97:8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 94–97″

In Doctrine and Covenants 97:8, the Lord identified honesty as one attribute of those who are “accepted of me.”

  • Explain to the children that God taught that when we are honest, He accepts us (see Doctrine and Covenants 97:8). Share with them a few brief stories that help them understand what it means to be honest. These stories could come from your own life, from the life of someone you know, or from the Friend or Liahona. Help the children retell the stories to you or share experiences with honesty from their lives.
  • Help the children learn the first phrase of the thirteenth article of faith: “We believe in being honest.” Help the children act out examples of being honest and dishonest. For example, the children could act out taking something from a sibling and telling their parents that they didn’t take it. Then help the children act out the same scenario in which they tell the truth to their parents. Explain that this is being honest.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 94-97”

According to Doctrine and Covenants 97:8., how can we be “accepted of” the Lord? How is that different from being accepted by the world? What does it mean to “observe [our] covenants by sacrifice”? How have we done this?

Friend September 2018 “I Can Tell the Truth” Coloring page

For additional teaching aids see Honesty Stories and Resources for Teaching Children “Honesty“

Doctrine and Covenants 51:9

9 And let every man deal honestly,

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 51–57”

  • Read to the children from Doctrine and Covenants 51:9: “Let every man deal honestly” (see also Articles of Faith 1:13). Ask the children if they know what it means to be honest. To help them better understand, give them examples of actions that are honest.
  • Share some simple stories of children who face decisions about being honest, such as the decision to admit when they did something wrong. Use pictures, sock puppets, or paper dolls to make the stories more interesting. Ask the children if these people are being honest or dishonest.
  • Sing a song about honesty, such as “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159). Bear your testimony about why it is important to be honest.

Friend August 2020 “How Do You Spell Honesty” When Elder Timothy J. Dyches was in six grade he hadn’t missed a spelling word all year long. If he kept getting perfect scores, I would receive an award for spelling at the end of the year. Then he noticed that he had missed a word on a spelling test that was incorrectly graded. He was honest and told his teacher about it.

Take this quiz to think about how you can be honest with yourself and others.

“Honesty Quiz” (April 2011 Friend) A quiz to help children evaluate how honest they are.

You could play a game that the family enjoys and then talk about how the game would have been different if someone had cheated. Why is it important to “deal honestly” with each other? How does honesty help us “be one”? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 51–57”

Friend May 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Be Honest!”

  • Sing “Do What Is Right” (Hymns, no. 237).
  • Jesus taught that we should “deal honestly” with each other (Doctrine and Covenants 51:9). That means telling the truth and being fair with others.
  • Come up with situations you might face in everyday life—like finding money that someone lost or losing something you borrowed. Act out what you would do to “deal honestly.”

Latter Day Kids “Honesty” Lesson ideas, videos, music, etc.

Friend September 2018 “Family Night Fun” The more honest we are, the more others can trust us. Have each family member decorate a clear jar with ribbons, markers, paint, or whatever!
Keep your honesty jars where everyone can see them. Every time you do something honest—like admitting to a mistake or returning a lost toy—add something to the jar.

Friend January 1987

Friend January 1987
Friend January 1987

Friend March 1987

Friend March 1987
Friend March 1987
Friend March 198

Friend September 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Being Honest”

I can be honest.

Acts 5:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 1-5” The early Christians shared what they had to help care for each other. Those who owned land sold it and gave the money to the Apostles, who then gave it to the Saints according to their needs. Ananias and Sapphira were dishonest about their contribution, thinking they could deceive the Lord’s servants.

Help the children act out the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Explain that although we won’t die when we tell a lie, this story shows how important being honest is to Heavenly Father.

  • The below videos aren’t produced by the church, but they may provide some ideas on how the children may act out the story.

Sing together a song about honesty, such as “I Believe in Being Honest” (Children’s Songbook, 149). Help the children understand that being honest means always telling the truth and not taking things that belong to someone else.

Use paper-bag puppets to act out simple situations in which someone is being honest or dishonest. Ask the children to stand up if the person was being honest or sit on the floor if the person was being dishonest. Help the children understand why it is important to be honest.

The sites below have free printable cutouts to help make paper bag people.

Aunt Annie’s Crafts

The Caterpillar Years

  • “Honesty Quiz” (April 2011 Friend) A quiz to help children evaluate how honest they are.
  • Friend September 2018 “Map Champ” During a map game at school, Linda doesn’t hear the teacher because the kids are being too loud. Her teacher trusts her because she doesn’t lie, and the teacher gives her another chance.
Friend September 2018
Friend September 2018

Latter Day Kids “I Can Be Honest” Lesson ideas

I believe in being honest. (Jr)

2 Corinthians 4:1–2

Help the children memorize the phrase “We believe in being honest” (Articles of Faith 1:13). Write this phrase on paper bracelets the children can decorate and wear. Explain that being honest includes telling the truth. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

The Red Crystal

Ask the children to raise their hands when you say something that is true and lower them when you say something that is not true. Make simple but obvious statements, such as “Today is Sunday” or “I have three noses.” Repeat the activity a few times, letting the children take turns being the one who makes true and false statements. Why does Heavenly Father want us to tell the truth? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

OR, use paper-bag puppets to say the true or not true things. Ask the children to stand up if the person was being honest or sit on the floor if the person was being dishonest. Help the children understand why it is important to be honest. (Children could take a turn with the puppets saying something true or not true with them.)

The sites below have free printable cutouts to help make paper bag people.

Aunt Annie’s Crafts

The Caterpillar Years

Friend September 2019 “Making Things Right” After shopping, a boy’s mother notices that the cashier didn’t charge them for all their items. She decides to go back and fix it. The boy wonders why they have to go back since it wasn’t their mistake. His mom explains that being honest matters to Heavenly Father and it might matter to someone else. When they get back to the store they find out that the cashier would have had to pay for the mistake.

Show the video “A Visit with Elder Ulisses Soares” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What did young Elder Soares learn about honesty? Encourage the children to prepare for their baptismal covenant by being honest. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

Friend September 2018 “Family Night Fun” The more honest we are, the more others can trust us. Have each family member decorate a clear jar with ribbons, markers, paint, or whatever!
Keep your honesty jars where everyone can see them. Every time you do something honest—like admitting to a mistake or returning a lost toy—add something to the jar.

I Believe in Being Honest (even when others are not) (I should always keep my promises)

Old Testament Stories “Jacob and His Family” Images

Genesis CHAPTER 29

Jacob meets Rachel at the well—He serves Laban seven years for her—Laban gives to Jacob first Leah then Rachel in marriage—Jacob serves another seven years—Leah bears Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.

Genesis 29:16–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 28-33” Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years so that he could marry Laban’s daughter Rachel. Jacob kept this agreement, but Laban did not. Consider using this story to teach the children about the importance of keeping our promises. How can you use this story to help the children understand the importance of being honest even when others are dishonest?

  • Read Genesis 29:18, 20 to the children, and explain that Jacob kept his promise to work seven years for Laban so he could marry Rachel, even though this was a long time to work (see also “Jacob and His Family” in Old Testament Stories). Help the children think of promises they might make to other people. Why is it important to keep our promises? Help them understand that a covenant is a sacred promise between God and each of us. Bear your testimony that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ always keep Their promises.
  • Read together Genesis 29:16–30, and help the children summarize the events in these verses. How did Jacob react to being tricked? What can we learn from this account?
  • On the board write What happens when we are dishonest? and What happens when we are honest? Invite the children to find answers by reading “Honesty and Integrity” (in For the Strength of Youth [2011], 19).

Friend September 2019 “Making Things Right” After shopping, a boy’s mother notices that the cashier didn’t charge them for all their items. She decides to go back and fix it. The boy wonders why they have to go back since it wasn’t their mistake. His mom explains that being honest matters to Heavenly Father and it might matter to someone else. When they get back to the store they find out that the cashier would have had to pay for the mistake.

Friend September 2018 “Map Champ” During a map game at school, Linda doesn’t hear the teacher because the kids are being too loud. Her teacher trusts her because she doesn’t lie, and the teacher gives her another chance.

Friend September 2018
Friend September 2018

“Lesson 14: Jacob and His Family,” Primary 6: Old Testament 

Write each of the children’s names on separate slips of paper and place them in a container. Read one of the following situations; then draw a name from the container and ask that child to tell what should be done. Afterward, let that child draw out the next name. If the class is small, replace the names in the container after each use so a child may answer more than one question. You might want to add other examples.

  • You are given too much change at the store.
  • You forgot to do a school assignment. You are tempted to tell the teacher you were ill.
  • You are playing with a friend’s toy when it breaks.
  • You want some money to buy a treat and your mother’s purse is on the table.
  • You used one of your father’s belongings without permission and lost it.
  • Your friend left a toy at your house by mistake. It is something you would really like to have.
  • You are setting out a game to play while your friend goes to get a drink of water. You realize that while she is out of the room you could arrange the game so you would win.
  • You accidentally knock over a breakable object belonging to someone else. Your friend tells you that if it is an accident, you don’t need to admit you did it.

Winnie Wins – A girl is tempted to cheat in a geography test to beat a boy who teases her. Friend May 1984

Genesis CHAPTER 30

Jacob marries Bilhah, and she bears Dan and Naphtali—He marries Zilpah, and she bears Gad and Asher—Leah bears Issachar and Zebulun and a daughter, Dinah—Then Rachel conceives and bears Joseph—Jacob works for Laban for wages of cattle and sheep.

Friend August 2018

Genesis CHAPTER 31

The Lord commands Jacob to return to Canaan, and Jacob departs secretly—Laban pursues him; they resolve their differences and make a covenant of peace—Laban blesses his descendants, and he and Jacob part company.

Sep 13 2021

Music: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

Good Music can be Uplifting

Friend March 2020 “Music for a Better Day” Elizabeth had a terrible day at school. Her dad suggested that good music might help her feel better, and to think about what she was playing while she practiced her piano. The song she was playing was about giving thanks to God. She began to feel more peaceful as she thought about all her blessings. Good music did help her feel better.

Good Music Can Protect Us from Sin

Friend November 2020 “Hyrum Beats the Bad Words” Hyrum figures out a way to help him not think about the bad words that he hears.

Music Can Bring Comfort

Friend November 2020 “Like a Star” Carrie’s family lost their house and had to live at campgrounds. It was hard on Carrie and she prayed for a home. A Primary song reminded her that Heavenly Father loves her.

Friend November 2020

Music Can Help Us Feel the Holy Ghost

Friend July 2022 “I Can Feel the Holy Ghost”

Friend April 2019 “ A Comforting Song “ Mia is feeling sad, so she sings a Primary song, and she feels the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost.

Music with Bad Words Makes it Harder to Feel Spirit

Friend June 2023 “The Dance Choice” Maddie didn’t feel good about a song that her dance class was going to dance to. She remembered that her mom had said music with bad words could make it harder to feel the Spirit. Maybe the Holy Ghost was telling her the song wasn’t good. Maddie’s teacher said she could sit out during the song. Even though it was scary to sit out alone, she chose to do that and felt good that she had listened to the Holy Ghost.

Applying Primary Songs to Ourselves

Friend October 2021 “Peace and Primary Songs” Max loved Primary because he felt safe and loved there. His family wasn’t like the happy families they sang about in Primary. One Sunday, the chorister asked them to imagine being grown up with a family. Max imagined praying with his family and having family home evening and playing with them. It made Max feel happy and peaceful to know that someday he could have a family like that.

Making Music with Things Around the House

Friend November 2017 “Sandbox Sounds” Children make music with things found in a sandbox. Activity: What other things around the house could you make music with?

Singing in Ward/Stake Choir

Friend August 2017 “Bonnie’s Song” Bonnie loves to sing. She wants to sing in the Tabernacle Choir but is too young, so she decides to sing in the ward choir instead.

Friend February 2024 “Eric’s Loud Voice” Eric practices singing hymns to learn how to sing better and is invited to sing in the choir for stake conference.

I can praise the Lord through music

Psalm 146:1, 5–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 To praise the Lord means to express our gratitude and love for Him. Help the children learn that we are praising Him when we do things like sing, pray, and obey His teachings.

  • Invite the children to share experiences when someone praised them or told them they did a good job. Share some of the good things from Psalm 146:6–9 that the Lord has done, and invite the children to talk about other things He does for us. Help them think of ways they can praise Him for those things.

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree” Cut out the leaves and place them in a sack. Have the children take turns picking a leaf from the sack, telling how the item written is a blessing, and gluing it to the tree. When they pick a blank leaf, have them share a blessing of their choice that they are thankful for. Then write the blessing on the leaf and glue it to the tree.

  • Sing together a song of praise, such as “Beauty Everywhere” (Children’s Songbook, 232–33). Explain that for the Israelites long ago, the Psalms were like the songs we sing today to worship and praise God.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 You might invite your family to read a few verses of Psalms 146–50 out loud, trying to convey the feelings of the writer. How can we express our praise to the Lord? Family members might enjoy writing their own psalms of praise and sharing them with each other.

Friend August 2022 “Write a Psalm”

Friend November 2010 “Bright Idea”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 The traditional Jewish name for the book of Psalms is a Hebrew word that means “praises.” That word, Tehillim, is also related to the exclamation “hallelujah” (meaning “praise Jehovah” or “praise the Lord”). If you had to choose one word to sum up the main message of the Psalms, “praise” would be a good choice. Some of the Psalms contain the direct invitation to “praise ye the Lord” (see especially Psalms 146–50), and all of them can inspire a feeling of worship and praise. The Psalms invite us to reflect on the Lord’s power, on His mercy, and on the great things He has done. We can never repay Him for any of this, but we can praise Him for it. That praise may take different forms for different people—it may involve singing, praying, or bearing testimony. It often leads to a deeper commitment to the Lord and to following His teachings. Whatever “praise ye the Lord” means in your life, you can find more inspiration to do it as you read and ponder the Psalms.

Friend October 1989 “Sing Praises” Lesson ideas and activity. (Activity: Look up scriptures where people in the scriptures sang praises to the Lord and then fill in the blanks.)

I can praise God by singing. (Jr)

Revelation 15:2–4

The Saints John described in Revelation 15:2–4 sang praises to God for His goodness. What songs of praise can help the children express their love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

As you read aloud parts of Revelation 15:2–4, ask the children to do actions like pretending to play a harp or direct a choir. How do we feel when we sing about Jesus? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Friend March 2020 “Music for a Better Day” Elizabeth had a terrible day at school. Her dad suggested that good music might help her feel better, and to think about what she was playing while she practiced her piano. The song she was playing was about giving thanks to God. She began to feel more peaceful as she thought about all her blessings. Good music did help her feel better.

Ask the children to share some of their favorite songs about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Sing a few of the songs together, and help the children understand what the songs teach us about Heavenly Father and the Savior. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Friend December 2015
Friend December 2015

Music is a Way to Share Testimony

Friend May 2023 “Cameron the Piano Player” Cameron volunteered to play a couple of songs in the Primary Program even though he didn’t know how to play. He took lessons and practiced really hard and did great at the program and wanted to learn more songs. He felt like playing the piano was a way of sharing his testimony.

Learning, Teaching, and Leading Music

Friend February 2024 “Musical Math” Music is played in counts. Each music note has a different count. Use the notes below to help you find out what is missing in these math problems. One has been done for you. Answers: 1) 4; 2) 1; 3) 7; 4) quarter note; 5) dotted half note; 6) 6; 7) 3

Friend May 2024 “Notes and Rests” Music notes tell us when to sing. There are also symbols in music called rests. Rests tell us when not to sing. Music notes and rests both have counts to show how long they are.

Use the notes and rests below to draw lines from dot to dot! Draw a curved line for notes and a flat line for rests. The size of the curved line matches how many counts the note has. One has been done to show you how.

Friend February 2024 “Eric’s Loud Voice” Eric practices singing hymns to learn how to sing better and is invited to sing in the choir for stake conference.

Friend March 2021 “A Piano for Prophet” A boy named prophet set two goals: first, learn how to play the piano, and second, teach others how to play. Several people became interested in learning more about the church as they learned how to play using the Primary songs. (Link includes a Video of the story.)

Friend April 2023 “Leading Like Jesus” Julie was asked to conduct the hymns in sacrament meeting, and she was very anxious. After talking to her father about her fears, she thought about how being a conductor is like Jesus Christ because he is our leader and he guides us in the right way and at the right time. She then became excited to conduct because she would represent Christ.

Liahona June 2024 “The Power of Primary Songs” Story of how music can help children during the difficult trials in life.

Sharing Primary Songs with Others

Friend July 2022 “Fatima’s Favorite Song” Fatima’s teacher asked the kids to learn a song and share it in class. Fatima shares her favorite song “Families Can Be Together Forever.” Fatima’s mother invites the teacher to come hear more songs at church.

The First Hymnbook

Doctrine and Covenants 25:11–12

For the Strength of Youth “Making the First Hymnbook”

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Emma Smith Gathered Hymns”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 14: Emma Smith Selects Sacred Hymns” (This link includes stories, activity ideas, and question ideas)

What has Heavenly Father promised us if we sing hymns to worship him? (D&C 25:12.) What kinds of blessings might we receive from singing hymns? Explain that hymns can help teach us the gospel and strengthen our faith and testimonies. They can help us want to repent and keep the commandments. They can make us feel happy when we are sad and can fill our minds with good, clean thoughts (see enrichment activity 5). They remind us that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us.

See Music for ideas and stories on how sacred music helps us.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

The Lord said that sacred music “is pleasing unto me.” Help the children see singing as not just a fun activity but also a way to worship Him. Singing is one way we can show our love for God.

  • Invite each child to share his or her favorite hymn or Church song, and sing some of them together. Read Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 to the children, and invite them to imagine how Heavenly Father and Jesus feel when They hear us sing these songs.
  • Teach the children a song about singing, such as “Lift Up Your Voice and Sing” (Children’s Songbook, 252)

Latter Day Kids “Song of the Heart” Lesson Ideas

Friend March 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Name that Song” Have a family song challenge! One person hums a Church song. Everyone else guesses what song it is. When someone guesses right, everyone sings the song together! Then take turns choosing the next song.

Friend November 2015 “Gratitude for Music” – About the hymn book and how to use it.

Good Music Can Affect the Spirit in Our Home

Friend August 2017 “Family Night Fun” Music can affect our mood.

Friend December 2017 Goals to listen only to music that is pleasing to Heavenly Father.

Music Can Help Us Spiritually

Friend September 2021 “Singing for Jesus”Singing hymns and Primary songs is a way to show our love for Jesus. He set an example for us. At the end of the Last Supper, Jesus and His Apostles sang together (see Matthew 26:30).When you sing, think about what the words are saying. As you sing, you will feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Music Can Help Bring Us Peace

Friend September 2021 “Singing for Jesus” Songs about Jesus can bring us peace and comfort

Music Refreshment Ideas

Friend August 2017

Sep 13 2021

Faith: Activities & Games

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Friend January 2019 “Seeds of Faith” The prophet Alma compared growing your faith to planting a seed (see Alma 32). When you pray, read the scriptures, and help others, your faith and testimony will grow! Try this experiment to watch a seed sprout.

Also, everyone’s testimony grows differently. Can you match each plant with its shadow?

Friend July 2018 Faith is like a seed. When planted it will grow.

Friend July 2018
Friend September 2016
Friend September 2016
Friend September 2016
Friend September 2016
Friend May 1984
Friend May 1984

Friend September 2021 “Fun with Fruit”

Friend February 2022 “I Can Trust God” Coloring page

Sep 13 2021

Faith: Stories

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Practicing Faith

Friend August 2019 “Practicing Faith” Klarie, who plays basketball, heard the words “we must…actively exercise our faith” on a conference talk and asks her mom how to do that. Her mother explains that just like Klarie has to practice and work to get better at basketball, Heavenly Father gave us ways to practice and get better at faith. We talk to Him in prayer. He’s kind of like our coach. He gives us scriptures. They’re like His playbook. And He gives us families to help us. Our family is like out team that works and practices together. When we practice spiritual habits, like prayer, we’re exercising our faith, and the more we practice the better we get. (Lesson Activity Idea: Bounce a ball to someone and ask them to say one thing they can do to help their faith grow. Then they bounce it to someone else. Friend August 2019 “Family Night Fun”)

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Faith in Prayers Being Answered

Friend May 2019 “Keeping the Orphans Warm” George Muller, a Christian, served God by helping orphans. He had strong faith that God would help him help them. Once, when the heater went out in one of his orphanages, he prayed that a warm wind would come to keep the children warm and that the workers would have a desire to get the work done quickly. His prayer was answered.

Friend March 2019 “Faith and Raindrops” A girl has faith that her prayer for rain will be answered, but she learns that we also need to have faith in God’s timing.

Friend January 2017 “Will Heavenly Father Answer My Prayers” When Elder Oaks was seven his father died. Dallin’s mother had faith and trusted in the Lord’s will.

Friend September 2016 “Lesson From Seeds” Modern day parable. You must plant the seeds, be patient, and expect to harvest what you plant.

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Friend January 1984 “Beginner’s Faith” Boy learns about faith when his dog is hit by a car

Friend January 2016 “Windows before Winter” St. George members do all they can to raise money for tabernacle windows, and they have faith the Lord will help them with what they lack.

Friend January 2016
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Friend May 2022 “Tom and the Terrible Flu” Tom helped take are of his dad and other villagers when the Spanish Flu hit. He gave them coconut milk, made chicken soup for them, and got them water. It was scary seeing so many people sick and dying, but he had faith that God would help them.

Sep 13 2021

Happiness & Joy: Stories

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Table of Contents

Friend July 2021 “Winfred’s New Recipe” Winfred is sad because she misses her father who has to work far away, and she misses her friends because of Covid. She figures out a recipe for happiness which includes prayer, reading scriptures, having faith, being grateful, and serving others.

Gratitude

Friend October 2017 “Bread and Gratitude” A man at a restaurant always find some fault in the meal no matter what extras the waiter provides.  “As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to “thank the Lord [our] God in all things” (D&C 59:7). If we focus on the blessings we think we are missing, it can make us unhappy.”

Look for the Good

Friend March 1988 “Mike to the Rescue” Mike can’t do all the things his older siblings can do, but he finds lots of benefits to being little.

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Serve Others

Friend December 2018 “The Secret Santa”  After Tasha’s grandma and father died, Christmas was difficult and sad. But then a Secret Santa started dropping off gifts. She wanted to thank them and pass on the kindness, so she started doing kind things for others. She learned that helping others made her feel happy.

Friend August 2022 “What Makes Me Happy” Angeline tells of the things that make her happy. She says she feels happy when she helps others and follows Jesus. (Includes photo of Angeline)

Helping Others be Happy

Friend September 2024 “Cheering for Both Teams” Jayne wanted to win the family game, but her team was losing. Everyone was surprised when she got angry and didn’t want to play anymore. Her uncle told her that winning is everything and she should just try to have fun. She watched her uncle and she realized he was cheering for both teams. She decided to do that too. She could be happy for her family members even if she lost. She then discovered she was having fun.

Sep 13 2021

Happiness & Joy: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

Gospel Teaches How to Be Happy

Friend December 2018 “Path of Happiness” Jesus Christ has shown us the way to be truly happy! Follow the blue line through the maze. What is each child doing to find happiness?

Living the gospel brings me joy.

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:

4 Nephi 1:2–3, 15–17

Lesson

Lesson 38: Peace Among the Nephites

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

Invite the children to talk about what makes them happy. 

  • Show pictures of happy people. Explain that the people in 4 Nephi had almost 200 years of happiness because they all tried their best to live the gospel. Help the children think of some commandments they could obey. For example, you could read them 4 Nephi 1:15 to teach that the people didn’t fight with each other anymore. Invite the children to act out obeying the commandments they thought of. Sing together a song about the joy that comes from living the gospel, such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198).

4 Nephi 1:15

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

To reduce contention in your home, perhaps family members could set a goal to be more loving to each other this week. After the week is over, review your progress together and discuss how showing greater love has affected your family.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

  • Read phrases from 4 Nephi 1:24–29, 34–35, and 43 that describe what happened when some of the Nephites stopped keeping the commandments. As you do, invite the children to make a sad face when they hear something that sounds unhappy. Testify that keeping the commandments leads to happiness.
  • To help the children practice what is taught in 4 Nephi 1:15–16, present them with situations where people are angry with each other. Invite them to role-play what the situation might be like if they tried to live with “no contention.” Why is it easier to avoid contention when we have the “love of God” in our hearts?
  • Read with the children the following verses, and ask them to find reasons the Nephites and Lamanites no longer had peace and happiness: 4 Nephi 1:20, 24–29, 34–35, and 43. How can we avoid these dangers?

Ensign October 2020 “What Does it Mean to be Truly Converted?” After the Savior’s appearance to the Nephites, they experienced nearly 200 years of unity and peace because they were “all converted unto the Lord” (4 Nephi 1:2). Compare the happiness of the righteous Nephites to the sorrow when they were unrighteous. Ponder the difference and find ways you can become more converted to the Lord.

Friend September 1988
Friend September 1988

Latter Day Kids “”Living the Gospel Brings Joy”- Come Follow Me: Oct. 19th-25th” Also includes lesson ideas to go along with the below video.

Friend October 2020 “Coloring Page: People Lived Happily”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

3 Nephi 27:30–31

To help family members understand the joy the Savior described in these verses, you could play a game in which family members hide and another family member tries to find them. This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to find every family member so that “none of them are lost.” How can we help our family members stay strong in the gospel or return if they have left?

Friend February 2024 “How Can the Gospel Bring Me Joy?”

“My heart delighteth in righteousness.”

2 Nephi 9:20, 28–29, 42–43, 49

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 6-10” To encourage your children to “[delight] in righteousness” or joyfully obey the Lord (2 Nephi 9:49), perhaps you could share examples in which a child makes a good choice or a bad choice. Invite your children to stand up when the choice brings happiness and sit down when the choice brings sadness. When have we felt happy because we made a choice to follow Jesus Christ?

The Cozy Red Cottage CTR board Game-Divide the class into 2 teams.  Each team starts by rolling the dice and moving the correct number of circles.  If they land on one of the CTR spaces they get to roll again. Then pick a card.  Read the scenario on the card (I’ve included the ones from the lesson as well as many others).  Decide if its a good choice or a bad choice and if it would make you happy or sad.  Have them raise the correct puppet.  If its a wrong choice ask what should you do? 

Friend February 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Bouncy-Ball Blessings” Jacob said we can be happy because of the blessings Heavenly Father gives us (see 2 Nephi 9:3). Bounce a ball back and forth. When it’s your turn to bounce the ball, say a blessing Heavenly Father has given you. Keep going as long as you can!

Friend February 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 2 Nephi 10:23 together and help your little ones say, “I can make good choices.” Flip through the Friend and help your children smile and give a thumbs up—or whatever gesture means “good job” in your culture—whenever you find a picture of someone making a good decision.

See Obedience and Commandments and Choice (Choosing the Right Helps Us Be Happy)

Living After the Manner of Happiness

2 Nephi 4:15–35; 5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 3-5”

  • What makes us happy? Consider reading together verses from 2 Nephi 4 to find out what delighted Nephi or made him happy (see verses 15–16, 20–25, 34–35). In his message “The Things of My Soul,” Elder Ronald A. Rasband shared seven “things of the Lord” that are precious to him (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 39–41). Perhaps you could review his list together and talk about “things of the Lord” that are precious to you.
  • 2 Nephi 5 also describes things that helped the Nephites live “after the manner of happiness” (verse 27). You could provide some words or pictures that represent these things and help your children match them to verses in chapter 5. Some examples include family (verse 6), God’s commandments (verse 10), the scriptures (verse 12), work (verses 15 and 17), temples (verse 16), and Church callings (verse 26). How do these things bring us happiness?

Liahona February 2024 “How Can We Live “After the Manner of Happiness”?” Often in life we can make the mistake of believing that happiness consists only of having fun or not having any problems. Nephi said, “We lived after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). But did that mean they were happy because they had easy lives? Of course not! In 2 Nephi 4, Nephi describes problems that frustrated him. “[Many people] seek only to have fun in life. With this as their main goal, they allow temporary pleasure to distract them from lasting happiness. They rob themselves of the enduring joys of spiritual growth, service, and hard work.

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me Kid “We Lived after the Manner of Happiness”

The Cozy Red Cottage

 Ensign February 2020 “Family Study Fun” All of us want to live “after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). But happiness requires effort. Create a family plan to help your family experience more joy. Read 2 Nephi 5:10–12, 15–17, 26–27. Discuss what Nephi’s people did to live “after the manner of happiness.” Make a list together of commandments that, if kept, will bring your family happiness. Add to the list other things that bring you joy (good friends, game night, etc.). Turn your list into a family declaration. (“We, the Jones family, hereby commit to pursue happiness by …”) Place your declaration in a prominent place where you can see it often.

Friend March 2011 “How can the gospel help me be happy?” Elder David A. Bednar shares how to have happiness in life: “The source and cause of true happiness are gospel truth and obedience to eternal law. Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness is designed to provide direction for His children, to help them become happy, and to bring them safely home to Him. For your happiness and protection, I invite you to study and live more diligently the Savior’s gospel.”

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 February 2024 “Tommy’s Very Bad Day” Everything had gone wrong during Tommy’s day and he wanted to just sit so nothing else bad would happen, but that just made him feel worse. Then he saw his neighbor raking leaves and having a hard time putting them in the bag. Tommy decided to help, and pretty soon he was having so much fun he forgot about his bad day.

Lived After the Manner of Happiness (2 Nephi: 5)

Story Ideas

Book of Mormon Stories ” Chapter 9: A New Home in the Promised Land” Images

Book of Mormon Videos “The Nephites Separate from the Lamanites”

girl holding up a scroll

 Ensign February 2020 “Family Study Fun” All of us want to live “after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). But happiness requires effort. Create a family plan to help your family experience more joy. Read 2 Nephi 5:10–12, 15–17, 26–27. Discuss what Nephi’s people did to live “after the manner of happiness.” Make a list together of commandments that, if kept, will bring your family happiness. Add to the list other things that bring you joy (good friends, game night, etc.). Turn your list into a family declaration. (“We, the Jones family, hereby commit to pursue happiness by …”) Place your declaration in a prominent place where you can see it often.

Friend March 2011 “How can the gospel help me be happy?” Elder David A. Bednar shares how to have happiness in life: “The source and cause of true happiness are gospel truth and obedience to eternal law. Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness is designed to provide direction for His children, to help them become happy, and to bring them safely home to Him. For your happiness and protection, I invite you to study and live more diligently the Savior’s gospel.”

Friend  November 2009 “A Happy Home.” This cut-and-paste activity reminds us of the things we can do to make our homes a happier place.

Friend November 2016

Friend November 2016

I can be happy when I live the way Jesus taught.

Matthew CHAPTER 5 Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount—Its teachings replace and transcend some aspects of the law of Moses—All are commanded to be perfect like their Father in Heaven.

Luke CHAPTER 6 Jesus heals on the Sabbath—He chooses the Twelve Apostles—He pronounces blessings upon the obedient and woes upon the wicked. Sermon on the Mount

Explain that the beginning of Jesus’s sermon includes what is known as the “Beatitudes.” Beatitude means to be blessed or happy. In these verses, Jesus identified attributes that He and His Father possess that lead to true happiness in this life and in the life to come. Developing these attributes will help you become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:3–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 5; Luke 6” As you read Matthew 5:3–12, what words and phrases stand out to you? How will these teachings bless the lives of the children you teach?

  • Create a chart on the board with two columns labeled Blessed are … and Blessing. Invite the children to search Matthew 5:3–12 looking for the qualities of those Jesus said would be blessed and the blessings He promised them. Then fill in the chart with what they find. Discuss with the children what each quality and corresponding blessing mean.

Lesson 34: Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes (Click on link for instructions and printouts for this activity.)

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  • Write each quality from these verses on a card and its corresponding blessing on a card. For example, one card would say “meek,” and another would say “inherit the earth” (verse 5). Let the children match the qualities and the blessings. Ask the children to pick one of the qualities in these verses that they want to develop.

Friend March 2019 “Sermon on the Mount” The scriptures teach us about a special talk (or “sermon”) that Jesus gave called the Sermon on the Mount. Look up the scriptures below and match them with what Jesus taught.

Friend April 2004 “If I Choose to Obey, I’ll Be Happy All Day!” In the Sermon on the Mount (see Matt. 5; 3 Ne. 12) Jesus taught us how to live so we can be happy. Some of these teachings are known as the Beatitudes. Beatitude means “happiness” or “blessing.” To make a Beatitude Book, glue page 29 onto a sheet of paper. Cut on the solid lines. Glue the second strip to the tab on the first strip. Fold back and forth on the dotted lines.

Friend March 1984 link includes instructions

Friend February 2023 “Scripture Toss” Put this page on the ground. Take turns tossing a beanbag onto the paper. When the beanbag lands on a square, read that scripture verse. If someone has already read that verse, tell what it means to you. Or you can tell how you can do what it teaches.

Friend February 2023 “How to Have Joy” When we follow Jesus Christ, we are blessed even in hard times. Read what Jesus promised us in Matthew 5 and fill in the blanks.

Friend February 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones”Tell your little ones that we are happy when we choose the right like Jesus did. Hang up a paper with a smiley face drawn on it. Add a smiley face each time your little ones make a “happy” choice.

Liahona February 2023 “Building on the Teachings of Jesus Christ”

Blessed by the Beatitudes

In Matthew 5, the Savior teaches His disciples a higher law to live by so they can become like Him.

  1. Read the beatitudes in Matthew 5:1–12. Talk about each characteristic and the promise that goes with it.
  2. Write each person’s name on a separate sheet of paper.
  3. Give each person a paper, making sure they don’t get one with their own name written on it.
  4. Have everyone draw a picture of a time when the person on their paper exemplified one of the beatitudes. Write a sentence about it. For example, “Hannah is a peacemaker because she shared with her sister.”
  5. Look up the blessing associated with that beatitude and write it at the bottom of the page.
  6. Take turns sharing what was written.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings me joy, and I can share this joy.

Alma 26; 29

Perhaps you and your children would enjoy drawing pictures of things in the gospel of Jesus Christ that bring you joy. Share your picture with your children, and encourage them to share their picture with someone to help that person feel joy too. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”/9

Friend July 2021 “Winfred’s New Recipe” Winfred is sad because she misses her father who has to work far away, and she misses her friends because of Covid. She figures out a recipe for happiness which includes prayer, reading scriptures, having faith, being grateful, and serving others.

  • Help your children find the words joy and rejoice in Alma 26 and 29. What brought Ammon and Alma joy or caused them to rejoice? This question could lead to a discussion about the joy that comes from living or sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As you read Alma 26:11, 13 or Alma 29:13–14 invite the children to stand every time they hear the words “joy” or “rejoice.” Help the children understand that sharing the gospel made Alma and Ammon happy. Share an experience when sharing the gospel brought you joy. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

Ensign July 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read Alma 27:17–19 and Alma 29:13–14 together, paying special attention to the word joy. Ammon and Alma found great joy in serving other people and the Lord.

  1. Invite one or two people to act out helping someone else—no speaking allowed! Examples could include opening the door for someone, helping a person in their yard, helping fix dinner, and so on.
  2. While the scene is being acted out, other family members guess what the service is.
  3. Take turns until everyone has had a chance to act.

Discussion: Why is it important to help other people? When have you felt joy after helping someone? What could our family do to help someone this week?

The gospel brings me joy, and I can share this joy with others.

  • Invite two children to face each other and see who can make the other child smile first. What are some ways we can spread joy to others? How does sharing the gospel spread joy? Help the children think of ways they can share the joy of the gospel with their friends and families.

Through Jesus Christ I Can Find Joy.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:23–32, 36, 38

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”

Life is not meant to be free from difficulty, but you can help the children discover that they can still find a fulness of joy through Jesus Christ.

  • Put water in a cup. Ask the children to name things the Savior has done for us so that we can have joy, and invite them to drop a pebble in the cup for each thing they name until the cup is full. Read with the children Doctrine and Covenants 101:36, and ask them to look for how we can have a fulness of joy. What are some things we can do to “seek … the Lord” (verse 38) so we can have the joy that He wants to give us?

Second Coming

  • Explain that Doctrine and Covenants 101:23–32 teaches about what life will be like when Jesus Christ comes again. As you read these verses together, talk about things the children find that will bring us joy when He comes. Why is it helpful to know about these things when we are having a hard time?

Friend September 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Happy Faces

  • Sing “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today” (Hymns,no. 227).
  • Jesus said, “In me your joy is full” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:36). Joy is long-lasting happiness you feel in your heart.
  • Draw a happy face and a frowny face on either side of a paper plate or paper circle. Together name some things that make people happy or sad and hold up the happy or sad face. Make sure to name some happy things about Jesus!

For additional teaching ideas see Happiness and Joy and Resources for Teaching Children “Happiness”

I can rejoice in the Lord. (Jr)

Philippians 4:4, 8

(Paul encouraged the Saints to rejoice—even though they faced difficult trials and Paul himself was in prison. How will you help the children see that following Jesus Christ brings joy?) Ask the children to listen for a repeated word as you read Philippians 4:4. Ask the children to show you what they do when they rejoice. Tell the children why you “rejoice in the Lord”—why you feel happy because of Jesus Christ. Let the children share how they feel about Jesus. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

Friend April 2023 “Because of the Savior”

Show objects or pictures that represent things that help you “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4), such as His creations, a temple, His Resurrection, or a family. Let the children take turns selecting a picture or object, and then tell them why it makes you happy. Invite them to share things that help them rejoice in the Lord.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

Media Library Images “Nature and Creation”

Friend September 2019

Friend January 2020
Ensign August 2017
Ensign June 2017

If I have faith in Jesus Christ, I can be happy even during hard times. (Sr)

Philippians 4:4–13

Ask the children to imagine that they are in prison, as the Apostle Paul was when he wrote the Epistle to the Philippians. Read Philippians 4:4–13 with the children, and ask them to look for the words “rejoice,” “peace,” and “content.” Why was Paul able to rejoice and feel peace even in prison? Then ask the children to find the words “Lord,” “God,” and “Christ” in the verses. Help them understand that Paul’s faith in Jesus Christ made it possible for him to rejoice. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”

Life is not meant to be free from difficulty, but you can help the children discover that they can still find a fulness of joy through Jesus Christ.

  • Put water in a cup. Ask the children to name things the Savior has done for us so that we can have joy, and invite them to drop a pebble in the cup for each thing they name until the cup is full. Read with the children Doctrine and Covenants 101:36, and ask them to look for how we can have a fulness of joy. What are some things we can do to “seek … the Lord” (verse 38) so we can have the joy that He wants to give us?

Friend October 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Peace from the Savior”

Story: When things are hard, we can pray for help. Because of the Savior, we can feel comfort and peace. (See Philippians 4:4–7.)

Song: “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75)

Activity: On page 10, read a story about a girl who felt Jesus Christ’s love. Then think about a time you felt peaceful because of Him. Write about it or draw a picture.

Invite the children to help you complete sentences like the following: “I can be in the dark and still see things if I have a . I can be outside on a hot day and still feel cool if I have a . I can have hard times and still find joy if I .” What does Philippians 4:4–13 suggest we can do to find joy? Invite the children to share some hymns or scriptures about Jesus that can help them feel joy during hard times.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

I can be happy even during hard times. (Jr)

1 Peter 1:6–7; 3:14

Help the children think of examples of hard things that Jesus went through, such as being mocked or made fun of. Explain that we will have hard times in our lives. Read 1 Peter 1:6–7; 3:14 together, and share an experience when you faced a “trial of your faith” and the Savior helped you find joy. Or you could share the Prophet Joseph Smith’s prayer in Liberty Jail and the comfort God gave him (see Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–8; 123:17). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)

Friend November 2023 “The Tryouts” Jared was excited to try out for the regional basketball team. Only a few players get invited to try out for it. But when he found out it was on Sunday his excitement faded. But he knew God was more important than basketball. He said a prayer and afterwards felt a comforting feeling that everything would be okay. Two days later he got an email saying tryouts would be on Saturday instead. He prepared very hard for the tryout and did his best but wasn’t selected. Then, a comforting thought came to him. “Things won’t always work out how I want,” he said. “But Jesus Christ knows exactly how I feel. He’s on my side.”

Em is Crafty “Come Follow Me 2019 – Lesson Plans for young kids: Lesson 43” Popcorn Kernels – Since God and Jesus know and love us, does that mean we’ll never have to go through anything hard in our lives? Set out an uncooked popcorn kernel and ask if this looks good to them. What needs to happen in order to make this kernel even better? (We need to give it some heat). Read/discuss/summarize 1 Peter 1:7 and 1 Peter 5:10-11 and explain that hard things we go through (trials of our faith) are more precious than gold and can help turn us into better people than we would’ve been otherwise. Remind them that God is “the God of all grace,” and He is the one who can change us into better people. Just like heat applied to popcorn kernels can change them into something much better, trials that we go through can turn us into better people if we rely on the Lord. Pop some popcorn to eat while sharing the examples in the following activity.

Brainstorm some things that could be trials of our faith and talk about how we can remain strong and
become better people because of them (getting up to do the primary program in front of everyone, listening to scriptures instead of playing with toys, sharing instead of keeping favorite toy to self, sitting through sacrament quietly, obeying Mom/Dad when don’t want to, being patient instead of getting mad, etc.)

Display a picture that shows Jesus and other people (the Gospel Art Book has many; so does Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Ask the children to find Jesus in the picture. Testify that if we look to the Savior, He can help us find joy in our lives. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)

Friend October 2018
Friend December 2018
Friend March 2022

Friend November 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Take your little ones outside. Is it a sunny day? A rainy day? Think of something you can do to enjoy the weather. Teach that we can be happy, no matter how things are around us.

Latter Day Kids “Joy in Every Season” Lesson ideas

I can find joy and peace even during hard times. (Sr)

1 Peter 3:12–17; 4:13–14, 16

The children you teach may have experienced some form of teasing or mocking because of what they believe. These verses can help them during those times.

Summarize a few stories about Jesus being persecuted, or invite the children to read them—see, for example, Matthew 12:9–14 or Luke 22:47–54. Ask the children if they have ever been teased or mocked because they live the teachings of Jesus Christ. How did it make them feel? Then read together 1 Peter 3:12–14; 4:13–14, 16, and ask the children to look for what Peter said about suffering “for righteousness’ sake.” Why can we still be happy when other people mock us for doing what is right? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)

New Testament Stories “The Trials of Jesus”

Friend July 2021 “Vaha’i Tonga”Vahai’ was determined to remain faithful, so he said his prayers every night at boarding school. At first the other kids made fun of him, then they started to join him. He invited them to a district conference and 77 of them came. Seven of them wanted to be baptized after the conference.

Share an experience when you found joy or peace during a trial, or share how the Prophet Joseph Smith found peace when he was in Liberty Jail (see Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–8; 123:17). How can we find joy and peace in Christ during our trials? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)

Finding Joy Even During Adversity

Friend February 2023 “How to Have Joy” In the winter of 1838, members of the Church had to leave their homes in Missouri, USA. It was very cold. Some spent the night outside near a campfire. They sang hymns and roasted potatoes.Sister Eliza R. Snow said, “Not a complaint was heard—all were cheerful.” Sometimes it doesn’t seem like we can feel joy when something bad happens. But joy comes from focusing on the Savior. (See more at link)

Using Acts 23:10, explain that Paul was put in prison because he taught the people about Jesus. Then read Acts 23:11 with the children. Or show the video “Be of Good Cheer” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), which portrays this story. Why could Paul “be of good cheer” even though he was in prison?

Write on the board Acts 23:10–11; Acts 27:18–25; and Acts 28:1–6. Show pictures of a jail, a ship, and a snake, and invite the children to review these verses and match them with the pictures. In each of these accounts, how did the Lord show Paul that He was with him?

clipart library
clipart library
clipart library

Helping to Lift Others

Help the children memorize what Jesus said to Paul: “Be of good cheer.” Ask the children to think of someone they can invite to be of good cheer—perhaps someone who is sad or worried.

Sing a song with the children about being happy, such as “Smiles” (Children’s Songbook, 267).

Latter Days Kids “Be of Good Cheer” Lesson ideas

Friend December 2022 “Sharing the Light of Jesus Christ”

Look for Blessings

Friend February 2023 “What’s on Your Mind?” A letter to the Friend asks how to feel happier. The Friend responds with, “One thing that can help us feel happier is gratitude.” They also suggest playing The Thankful Game. (See more at link)

Sep 7 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 98-101

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Section 98 heading: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, August 6, 1833. This revelation came in consequence of the persecution upon the Saints in Missouri. Increased settlement of Church members in Missouri troubled some other settlers, who felt threatened by the Saints’ numbers, political and economic influence, and cultural and religious differences. In July 1833, a mob destroyed Church property, tarred and feathered two Church members, and demanded that the Saints leave Jackson County. Although some news of the problems in Missouri had no doubt reached the Prophet in Kirtland (nine hundred miles away), the seriousness of the situation could have been known to him at this date only by revelation.

1–3, The afflictions of the Saints will be for their good; 4–8, The Saints are to befriend the constitutional law of the land; 9–10, Honest, wise, and good men should be supported for secular government; 11–15, Those who lay down their lives in the Lord’s cause will have eternal life; 16–18, Renounce war and proclaim peace; 19–22, The Saints in Kirtland are reproved and commanded to repent; 23–32, The Lord reveals His laws governing the persecutions and afflictions imposed on His people; 33–38, War is justified only when the Lord commands it; 39–48, The Saints are to forgive their enemies, who, if they repent, will also escape the Lord’s vengeance.

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 34: God Warns the People of Zion” Images and video

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 35: The Saints Leave Jackson County” Images and video

Jesus Wants Me to Forgive Those Who are Unkind to Me.

Doctrine and Covenants 98:39–40

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”

The Lord asked the Saints who were being persecuted in Jackson County, Missouri, to forgive those who had harmed them. As you teach the children the importance of forgiveness, make sure they also understand that if someone hurts them, they should always tell a trusted adult.

  • Tell the children about the persecutions that occurred in Jackson County, Missouri, in 1833 (see chapters 34 and 35in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 128–34). Ask the children how they would feel if they were members of the Church at that time. Read Doctrine and Covenants 98:39–40, and ask the children to listen for what the Lord told the Saints to do when their enemies asked for forgiveness. Why does Jesus want us to forgive people, even those who are not nice to us?
  • Place a picture of a happy face on one wall and a sad face on the opposite wall. Share with the children different situations in which someone is unkind. Suggest ways we could respond to the unkind actions, and help the children decide if each response would make them happy or sad. Invite the children to point to the corresponding face on the wall.
  • We are commanded to love one another, to forgive others “seventy times seven,” and to turn the other cheek (see Matthew 5:39, 43–44; 18:21–22). How might you use these verses to teach the children these truths.
  • Ask the children if they can think of a time when Jesus Christ or someone else in the scriptures did what Doctrine and Covenants 98:23 teaches. To give them one example, show a picture of the Crucifixion (such as Gospel Art Book,no. 57). Ask the children to share what they know about the Savior’s Crucifixion (see Luke 23). Invite them to read Luke 23:34. How can we follow the example of Jesus Christ?

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 27: The Saints Are Expelled from Jackson County”  See lesson for more teaching ideas and stories.

  1. Place inside a large sock or cloth bag five to ten familiar items, such as a small toy, a key, a button, a nail, and a piece of candy. Tie the end of the sock or bag in a knot, or tie some string around it to keep it closed.Give the children pencils and paper, and allow each child to feel the sock or bag and make a list of what he or she thinks is in it. After everyone has had a turn, open the sock or bag and show the children the contents. Point out that it was hard to know what was inside the sock or bag by looking at or feeling the outside of it. Similarly, we can see a person’s actions, but we cannot see the thoughts or feelings that cause those actions.Explain that the Saints were commanded by the Lord in Doctrine and Covenants 98:23–24 to bear their persecution with patience and not seek revenge against their enemies. The Saints could see their enemies’ actions, but only the Lord knew why the mob members did what they did. Only he knew the intent of their hearts. The Saints were to forgive instead of seeking revenge.
    • What happens to people who refuse to forgive? (Feelings of hate, anger, and revenge drive away the Spirit of God. No person who refuses to forgive can be truly happy.)

Friend August 2021 “Not Invited” Becky isn’t invited to her friend’s birthday party. She feels really left out and sad. She prays to be able to forgive her friend and is able to play together the next day. When Becky has her birthday party she invites her.

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Friend April 2019 “A New Block Tower” Mason accidentally knocks down Bo’s block tower. Mason says sorry and offers to help build another one. Bo forgives him, and they both are happy.

Sing a song about forgiveness, such as “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). What does this song teach us about forgiving others? How does Heavenly Father help us forgive others?

For additional story and activity ideas see Forgiveness and Resources for Teaching Children “Forgiveness”

Following God’s Counsel Helps Keep Me Safe.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:43–65

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”

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 

My Trials Can Help Me Become More Like Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 98:1–3, 11–14; 101:16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”

As children face challenges throughout their lives, they will need faith that the Savior can help them during their trials and that those trials can “work together for [their] good” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:3).

  • Ask the children to help you make a list on the board of some challenges that a child their age may face. Tell the children about some of the challenges of the Saints living in Jackson County, Missouri, in 1833 (see chapters 34and 35 in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 128–34). What advice would they give to a child experiencing these challenges? Ask the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 98:1–3, 11–14, looking for the guidance the Lord gave. How can they follow this counsel as they face challenges like the ones listed on the board?
  • Invite the children to be as still and quiet as possible for a few minutes while looking at a picture of the Savior or listening to a song about Him. Then invite them to share what they felt and experienced during the stillness. Read Doctrine and Covenants 101:16. How does being still and thinking of Jesus help us? Help the children understand the connection between reverent stillness and our ability to feel the Spirit and think about Jesus.

Jesus Christ Can Bring Me Peace.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”

When the Saints were facing persecution, the Lord comforted them by saying, “Be still and know that I am God.” Consider how this counsel might help the children you teach.

  • Invite the children to wiggle in their chairs. Then ask them to stop moving when you hold up a picture of the Savior and say the phrase “Be still and know that I am God” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:16). Repeat this activity a few times. Explain that when life was hard for the Saints in Joseph Smith’s time, Jesus wanted them to be still and trust Him instead of worrying. How can Jesus help us when we are having a hard time?
  • Sing together a song about reverence, such as “Reverently, Quietly” or “To Think about Jesus” (Children’s Songbook,26, 71). Help the children recognize the peaceful feelings that come when we are being still and thinking about Jesus—for example, when we are praying or taking the sacrament.
  • Help the children work on this week’s activity page. While they color, tell them how thinking of Jesus Christ has helped you feel peace, even during difficult times.

Friend September 2013 “Jesus Calms the Tempest”

Friend September 2021 “Singing for Jesus” Songs about Jesus can bring us peace and comfort

Latter Day Kids “Be Still and Know That I Am God” Lesson ideas, videos, and activities

Friend September 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Help your little ones say, “Jesus Christ can help me feel peace.” Talk about different ways people can feel peaceful. Some ideas could be praying, reading scripture stories, listening to good music, or resting quietly.

Friend September 2021 “Peace in Christ” Song

For additional teaching ideas see: Resources for Teaching Children “Peace”

Through Jesus Christ I Can Find Joy.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:23–32, 36, 38

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”

Life is not meant to be free from difficulty, but you can help the children discover that they can still find a fulness of joy through Jesus Christ.

  • Put water in a cup. Ask the children to name things the Savior has done for us so that we can have joy, and invite them to drop a pebble in the cup for each thing they name until the cup is full. Read with the children Doctrine and Covenants 101:36, and ask them to look for how we can have a fulness of joy. What are some things we can do to “seek … the Lord” (verse 38) so we can have the joy that He wants to give us?

Second Coming

  • Explain that Doctrine and Covenants 101:23–32 teaches about what life will be like when Jesus Christ comes again. As you read these verses together, talk about things the children find that will bring us joy when He comes. Why is it helpful to know about these things when we are having a hard time?

Friend September 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Happy Faces

  • Sing “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today” (Hymns,no. 227).
  • Jesus said, “In me your joy is full” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:36). Joy is long-lasting happiness you feel in your heart.
  • Draw a happy face and a frowny face on either side of a paper plate or paper circle. Together name some things that make people happy or sad and hold up the happy or sad face. Make sure to name some happy things about Jesus!

For additional teaching ideas see Happiness and Joy and Resources for Teaching Children “Happiness”

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”

SECTION HEADINGS

Section 99 Heading Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to John Murdock, August 29, 1832, at Hiram, Ohio. For over a year, John Murdock had been preaching the gospel while his children—motherless after the death of his wife, Julia Clapp, in April 1831—resided with other families in Ohio. 1–8, John Murdock is called to proclaim the gospel, and those who receive him receive the Lord and will obtain mercy.

When John Murdock was called to leave his home “to proclaim [the] everlasting gospel” (verse 1), he had just returned from a difficult, year-long mission in Missouri (see “John Murdock’s Missions to Missouri,” Revelations in Context, 87–89). What do we find in section 99 that may have been helpful or encouraging to Brother Murdock? What message does the Lord have for us in this revelation? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”)

Section 100 Heading Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Perrysburg, New York, October 12, 1833. The two brethren, having been absent from their families for several days, felt some concern about them.

Just a few weeks after Joseph learned of the persecution in Missouri, a recent convert asked him to travel to Canada to share the gospel with his sons. Joseph agreed, although he worried about leaving his family, especially because of persecution and threats to his family and the Church. On their way to Canada, Joseph and his companion, Sidney Rigdon, prayed for comfort, and section 100 was the Lord’s answer to them. What do you find in the Lord’s response that may have reassured and helped them?

After reading these verses, you might discuss how blacksmiths must heat metal intensely to remove impurities and then shape it by hammering it over and over again (see the video “The Refiner’s Fire” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). You might also learn together about how other things are purified, such as water or salt. Maybe you could purify or cleanse something as a family. Why do we want to become pure? What do these examples teach us about how our trials can help us become “a pure people”? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”)

Section 101 Heading Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, December 16 and 17, 1833. At this time the Saints who had gathered in Missouri were suffering great persecution. Mobs had driven them from their homes in Jackson County; and some of the Saints had tried to establish themselves in Van Buren, Lafayette, and Ray Counties, but persecution followed them. The main body of the Saints was at that time in Clay County, Missouri. Threats of death against individuals of the Church were many. The Saints in Jackson County had lost household furniture, clothing, livestock, and other personal property; and many of their crops had been destroyed.

1–8, The Saints are chastened and afflicted because of their transgressions; 9–15, The Lord’s indignation will fall upon the nations, but His people will be gathered and comforted; 16–21, Zion and her stakes will be established; 22–31, The nature of life during the Millennium is set forth; 32–42, The Saints will be blessed and rewarded then; 43–62, The parable of the nobleman and the olive trees signifies the troubles and eventual redemption of Zion; 63–75, The Saints are to continue gathering together; 76–80, The Lord established the Constitution of the United States; 81–101, The Saints are to importune for the redress of grievances, according to the parable of the woman and the unjust judge.