Charity/ Love: Lesson Ideas

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Friend September 2023 “For Older Kids”

Charity is the pure love of Christ.

Moroni 7:47

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

Invite the children to share what they think the word “charity” means. Then invite one of the children to read Moroni 7:45. (If some of the words in this verse are hard to understand, help the children look them up in a dictionary.) Ask the children to talk about people they know who are good examples of charity. Why is charity called “the pure love of Christ”? (Moroni 7:47). What does verse 48 teach us about how we can be filled with charity? Encourage each of the children to pray for charity this week and to look for ways to show charity to others.

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 42: Moroni and His Writings”

  1. Explain the qualities of charity found in Moroni 7:45 using terms the children can understand. You could have the children match Moroni’s descriptions with your explanations.
    • Suffereth long: Is patient
    • Kind: Not cruel or mean, loving
    • Envieth not: Is not jealous
    • Not puffed up: Humble, not proud
    • Seeketh not her own: Is unselfish
    • Not easily provoked: Slow to anger, quick to forgive
    • Thinketh no evil: Is trusting, looks for the good
    • Rejoiceth in truth: Is honest
    • Beareth all things: Is obedient
    • Believeth all things: Is faithful
    • Hopeth all things: Is optimistic, trusting
    • Endureth all things: Is patient, persistent

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

For the Strength of Youth April 2024 “Antidotes to Relationship Toxins” An antidote is a medicine that counteracts a poison or toxin. Figuratively, an antidote is something that “cures” a bad feeling or situation. For example, President Russell M. Nelson said, “Charity is the antidote to contention.”1 Not all physical poisons have antidotes. But through the Savior, we can find cures for our personal poisons—including the ones in our relationships with others.

Charity is the antidote to a lot of things, not just contention. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (Moroni 7:45). We should pray for charity (see Moroni 7:48) to help us forgive other people’s weaknesses—just as we hope they will pray for charity so they can put up with ours. We

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

Ask the children to repeat this phrase with you: “Charity is the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47). Help the children think of ways Jesus Christ showed love to others (pictures might help, such as Gospel Art Book,nos. 558384). How has He shown love to us? Who can we show love to as Jesus did? For an example, example, show the video “My Brother Hyrum” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves showing love to someone. Suggest that they put their picture where it will remind them to love others as Jesus does.

Ask the children to write names of people they know on pieces of paper and place them in a small bag or container. Invite them to take their container home, select a name from it every day, and do something that shows love for that person. In a future lesson, invite them to share their experiences serving these people.

Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun”

Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Ensign December 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Mormon taught that we “must needs have charity” (Moroni 7:44). Use this activity to talk about what charity means.

  1. Show the picture of Jesus from page 193 of the Come, Follow Me manual for individuals and families.
  2. Read Moroni 7:45–47 together. As you read, write down on slips of paper phrases that describe charity (for example, “is kind”).
  3. Put the slips of paper around the picture of Christ. Talk about times He acted in those ways.
  4. Now show a picture of your family. Talk about what your family can do to follow Christ’s examples of charity. As each idea is shared, move the corresponding paper from Christ’s picture to your family’s picture.

Discussion: Read and talk about Moroni 7:48. What can your family do to get ready to see the Savior again?

Latter Day Kids “Charity- Come Follow Me” Video and more lesson ideas at link.

How Can I Show Love to Others?

Friend April 2024 Cover “Sharing Love”

Friend April 2024 “How Can I Show Love to Others?”

Friend April 2024 “Showing Love” Follow the matching shapes along the paths to see how each child shows love! How do you show love to others?

I can love others. (Jr)

1 Corinthians 13

Read 1 Corinthians 13:13 and Moroni 7:47, and help the children repeat the phrase “Charity is the pure love of Christ.” Show pictures of Jesus being loving and kind, and ask the children how He showed love to others (see Gospel Art Book for ideas). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

The Red Crystal

Sing a song about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” or “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 61, 136), with the children. Show pictures of different people (such as a parent, sibling, teacher, or friend), and ask the children to share how they could serve that person. Invite the children to think of someone they could serve and then write a note or draw a picture to give that person. If they need other ideas about how to serve, show the video “Pass It On” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

The Red Crystal

Friend February 2019 “Helper Like You” Tell how you could help out in each situation.

Latter Day Kids “Charity is the Pure Love of Christ” Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8-13” Paul’s definition of charity might make an inspiring motto for your family. You could assign each family member to study a phrase in verses 4–8 and teach the rest of the family what it means using definitions, examples, and personal experiences. How is the Savior an example of these attributes? You could also make posters together for each of these phrases and display them throughout your house. Be creative!

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Jesus Wants Me to Love Others

Friend November 2022 “Jesus Said to Love Our Neighbor” See link for stories

Friend May 2022 “Jesus Said”

Heavenly Father wants me to love everyone.

Mormon 3:12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”It’s often easy to love those who love us and are like us, but Mormon demonstrated that with help from Heavenly Father, we can love those who believe and act differently than we do.

Ask each child to draw a person on the board, and point out how each person they drew looks different from the others. Draw a large heart surrounding all the drawings. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father wants us to love all people. Read Mormon 3:12, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” What did Mormon do to show his love for others?

Sing a song together about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), while showing pictures of children from around the world. Testify of God’s love for all of His children.

Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones”Read Mormon 3:12 together, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” Help your little ones put their hands on their hearts and say, “I can share God’s love with others,” and then hold their hands outward, as if sharing something. You could listen to or sing “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook,136) and put your hands on your hearts whenever you hear the word “love.”

Friend April 2021 “Jesus Said Love Everyone” When Jesus was on the earth, He constantly helped those who were left out, overlooked, or mistreated. As His followers, we must do the same!

Fill the World with Love

2017 Friend Children’s did acts of service and wrote the service on a heart. The Hearts were placed day on a world map. The map was covered with Hearts by the end of the year. Acts of love can spread.

Jesus Christ showed me how to serve others.

John 13:1–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13”The account of the Savior washing His disciples’ feet can inspire the children you teach to lovingly serve people around them.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 In Jesus’s time, washing another person’s feet was a task for servants, not leaders. But Jesus wanted His disciples to think differently about what it means to lead and to serve. What messages do you find in the Savior’s words and actions in John 13:1–17?

  • A few days in advance, ask one of the children to read John 13:4–9 and share the account with the class from the perspective of Peter. What was the Savior trying to teach Peter and the other Apostles? The children could talk about what they learn from this story about Jesus Christ. What do we learn about serving others?
  • Read together John 13:12–17. Ask the children to each write about a time when the Savior served another person. Encourage them to include what they learn from His example. If they need help, they could look for examples in the video “Christlike Attributes” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to share what they wrote with the class.

I can love others as Jesus did.

John 13:34–35

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13” Jesus showed His love by caring for those around Him. What opportunities do the children you teach have to show their love for others?

  • Show pictures of stories the children have learned this year when Jesus showed His love for others (see past outlines in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Read John 13:34–35, and help the children repeat the phrase “As I have loved you, … love one another.” How can we show our love for our family and friends?

Images of Jesus can be found here.

Friend April 2007 “Jesus Christ Loves Everyone”

Friend March 2019 “Lots of Ways to Say “I Love You” Play this game with family or friends. Do the action on the square when you land on it.

  • Invite a child to hold a picture of the Savior as the class sings a song about the Savior’s love, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136). Give the children paper hearts and invite them to draw a picture of themselves doing something to show their love for another person.

Disciples of Jesus Christ love others as He did.

John 13:34–35

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13” When we are baptized, we make covenants to become disciples of Jesus Christ. In John 13:34–35, the Savior described how we can show that we are His disciples.

  • Write on the board  one another; as I have  you (John 13:34). Invite the children to look up the scripture and fill in the blanks. What other things can we do to show we are disciples of Christ? The children might think of other words that would complete the sentence on the board, such as serve and served or teach and taught.
  • Invite the children to read John 13:35 and think of people they know who are examples of disciples of Jesus Christ. Ask them to share how these people show love for others as the Savior did.

Friend June 2023 “It’s Not Fair” Ephraim was the only one helping prepare his sister’s birthday dinner. He wanted to get revenge on his siblings and such as not letting them have any of the meat pie. But then he thought about what Jesus would do. Jesus would want all of them to have a piece of pie, and Jesus would want him to serve others.

Friend November 2017 “The Vegetable Thief” Earl is upset when he sees a lady taking vegetables from their garden, but he learns what charity means when his mother has him give the lady their best vegetables for her starving family.

Friend June 2017 “An Extra Dose of Love” Ashley’s mom likes to get to church early to look for people who need an extra dose of love. She sends those people cards. Ashley thinks of a friend who might need a card.

Friend January 2018 “A Friend for Mr. Maurice” Carter’s neighbor, Mr. Maurice, seems mean. Carter’s father tells him that Jesus taught that we are to love everyone. Carter tries to be kind and help Mr. Maurice and finds out Mr. Maurice is easier to love than expected.

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Jesus Christ washed the feet of His apostles (see John 13:4–16). He loved them and wanted to serve them. Jesus told them to follow His example and serve each other.

Song: “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236)

Activity: Play this service game. Everyone sits with their feet in a circle. One player picks a number. Starting with their own feet, the player points to each foot in the circle and counts down from that number until they reach “one.” The foot numbered “one” is out. Then that player picks a number and counts down. The last person with a foot in the circle picks a service activity for the group to do.

Jesus Wants Me to Love Everyone.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

Help the children know that the Savior wants us to love everyone, even those who may not treat us kindly.

Jesus Christ was the perfect example of loving everyone, even those who mistreated Him. Joseph Smith also had to endure persecution by those who had been his friends. Help the children learn that we can love others just like the Savior and Joseph Smith did.

  • As you share “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60), ask the children to form a heart shape with their hands when they hear about someone doing something right. Help them understand that the Lord wants us to love everyone, even those who might make wrong choices.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

  • Draw a sad face on the board, and ask the children how we can show love for others who are unhappy (see Doctrine and Covenants 112:11). As the children share ideas, redraw the sad face to become a happy face. Share your testimony of the power that comes from loving others. Sing together a song about love, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61).
  • Invite the children to take turns reading from “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60). Who in the story made the problems in Kirtland worse? Who was trying to make them better? Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 112:11 and talk about why it is important to love everyone.
  • Why is it important to love people who are different from us? Why might Heavenly Father have given us differences? How can we “let [our] love abound unto all,” even those who are different from us? Sing with the children a song about loving others, such as “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41).
  • Help the children think of examples of when the Savior loved those who mistreated Him (for example, see Luke 23:34).

Love Your Enemies

Jesus loved His enemies.

Luke 22:50–51

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 22; John 18” Learning how to be a peacemaker is not easy, especially when others are not kind to us. How can the account in Luke 22:50–51 inspire the children you teach to be kind in all circumstances?

New Testament Stories “The Trials of Jesus”

  • Invite the children to read Luke 22:50–51. What do we learn about Jesus from this account? During the week, ask some of the children’s parents to tell you about times when their children showed kindness, even when it was difficult. Share those stories with the class. (Remind the children that being kind doesn’t mean allowing others to hurt them; they should talk to their parents or another trusted adult if someone is hurting them.)

Friend January 2016- “Question Corner” A girl at school is always mean to me. How can I still be kind to her?

Friend January 2016

Friend March 2022 “Cake and Kindness” Juli didn’t think her aunt liked to her because her aunt was so strict and never smiled. She decided to be patient, kind, and brave in trying to speak Spanish with her aunt. She agreed to help her aunt make a cake for Juli’s parents anniversary. Her aunt was patient with her as she tried to speak Spanish and was less strict and even smiled. Juli was glad her prayer was answered.

  • Sing a song about being kind, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). What does this song teach about kindness?
  • How can we show kindness to others like the Savior did?

Friend September 2022 “How Can I Show Respect for Others?” By Elder Gary E. Stevenson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Friend May 2020 “Sister Squabble” Jaide’s little sister borrowed her tennis shoes without asking and accidentally got them muddy. Jaide was so mad that she told her sister,  “I wish you weren’t my sister.” She felt terrible about what she said.  She read a scripture about Jesus forgiving and healing someone (people who came to arrest him in Garden of Gethsemane), and she realized she needed to forgive and try and fix what she had done to her sister with her words. 

Friend April 2019 “The Right Reply” Emily received a mean email from a friend. She wanted to send a not-so-nice reply, but her mom suggested she wait and little bit. While she waited, she saw a picture of Jesus. She remembered that people had been mean to him, but he was never mean back. She decided to follow Jesus and not send the mean reply.

Friend September 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” A child asks, “Sometimes kids at school say mean things. How can I make them stop?”

Response: You can’t make anyone do anything. But when you speak kindly, others might follow your example. Words are powerful. Especially when you use your words for good. Mean words can be hurtful, but kind words can be helpful, healing, and inspiring.

Friend June 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Sing “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79) with your little ones. Give them a picture of Jesus to hold. Tell them lift it up high each time they hear “Jesus” in the song. Then help them say, “Jesus loves me.”

Jesus Christ wants me to love everyone.

Matthew 5:44–45

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 5; Luke 6” Younger children can begin now to practice showing love, even when they are treated unfairly by peers or siblings. As you read Matthew 5:44–45, consider how the Savior’s teachings apply to the children you teach.

  • Restate Matthew 5:44 using words and situations the children will understand and relate to. Ask the children to share times when they showed love for someone even though it was hard. How did these experiences make them feel?

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 January 2018 “A Friend for Mr. Maurice” Carter’s neighbor, Mr. Maurice, seems mean. Carter’s father tells him that Jesus taught that we are to love everyone. Carter tries to be kind and help Mr. Maurice and finds out Mr. Maurice is easier to love than expected.

  • As a class, sing a song about loving others, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136–37). What do we learn from this song about loving others?
  • Give the children paper hearts labeled with the words “I will show my love for everyone.” Ask them to decorate the hearts and hang them in their homes as a reminder to love others.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 5; Luke 6” As your family reads the Savior’s words in these verses, you might talk about who, specifically, you feel you could love, bless, and pray for. How can we increase our love for them?

April 2004 Friend “Loving Our Enemies” After a family home evening lesson on loving your enemies, Curtis is nice to a boy who had been bullying him at school and shares his lunch with him. The boy stopped bullying Curtis after that.

I can show love and kindness to those around me.

Ruth

Ruth CHAPTER 1

Elimelech and his family go to Moab because of famine—His sons marry—The father and sons die—Ruth, the Moabitess, her husband having died, remains constant to Naomi—They come to Bethlehem.

Ruth CHAPTER 2

Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi—He treats Ruth kindly.

Ruth CHAPTER 3

By Naomi’s instruction, Ruth lies at the feet of Boaz—He promises as a relative to take her as his wife.

Ruth CHAPTER 4

The nearest relative declines, and Boaz takes Ruth to wife—Ruth bears Obed, through whom came David the king.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” When Ruth’s husband died, she could have stayed in her home country, but she chose to go with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, and care for her. Consider how Ruth’s Christlike example could inspire the children you teach to be kind to those around them.

  • Invite the children to represent Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, or other characters as you tell their story from the book of Ruth (see also “Ruth and Naomi” in Old Testament Stories). Invite the children to raise their hands every time they hear an act of kindness in the story. How do we feel when people are kind to us? How do we feel when we are kind to others?

Old Testament Stories “Ruth and Naomi”

Friend June 2022 “Ruth and Naomi”

Latter Day Kids “Showing Kindness to Others” Lesson ideas

For the Strength of Youth June 2022 “Fearless Together”

  • Sing together a song about being kind, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). Help the children think of ways they can be kind to their family and friends. If they need help, show them pictures of people showing kindness. For every idea mentioned, let the children draw a heart on the board.

Liahona June 2022 “We Follow Jesus Christ and His Prophet”

Family Support Game

Ruth 1–4

Ruth supported Naomi by staying with her. Try this activity to learn about supporting family:

  1. Choose a family member and stand back-to-back. Place any object (a small ball or a book) between each other’s backs.
  2. Working as a team, see how many steps you can take together without letting the object fall.
  3. Take turns as a family until everyone has had a chance to work as a team to help each other.

Discussion: How did Ruth and Naomi help each other? Ruth believed in Heavenly Father and had faith, so she stayed with Naomi. How was she blessed? How can we support each other and trust the Lord when we have difficulties?

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Grains of Service

Story: Read about Ruth in the scripture story on page 8. She worked hard and gathered grain to take care of her husband’s mother. God blessed her for serving others.

Song: “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198)

Activity: Cut out pieces of paper in the shape of grain kernels. Use a stick or long piece of paper as a stem. Glue or tape your kernels to the stem to make a stalk of grain. Whenever you serve someone, pull off a kernel. Keep going until the stem is bare!

Old Testament Coloring Book “Ruth and Naomi”

Lesson 26: Ruth and Naomi,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 114–16
To help the children have the desire to follow the example of righteous people and to be good examples themselves.

Friend July 2018 “Ruth was a Loyal Friend” Link includes story and goal card ideas to learn how to be a good friend like Ruth.

Friend February 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Showing Love”

For John 2–4

Story: We know Heavenly Father loves us because He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth. Because of Jesus, we can live with Heavenly Father again someday. (See John 3:16–17.)

Song: “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35)

Activity: How do you show your love? Cut out a bunch of paper hearts. On each one, write something you can do to show love to others. Put the hearts in a jar or a bowl. Each day of the week, pick a heart from the bowl. Then do what is written on the heart!

Friend February 2024 “I Can Be a Friend”

I show my love for God when I show love to others. (Jr)

Ways to Show Love

Friend February 2018 “For Little Friends”  Showing our love for others, family members, and Heavenly Father.
Friend February 2017 “Sharing Love with Friends” Rentalyn tells how she shares love.

Love Notes

Friend January 2017 “Family Night Fun”

Friend May 2016 “Funstuff: Love Notes…”

Refreshment Ideas

Friend January 2017 “Family Night Fun”

Handouts

Friend November 2019 “Bright Idea” Heavenly Father Gives Us the Spirit of Love.

Love Your Neighbor

Friend October 1984

Friend October 1984
Friend October 1984
Friend October 1984

Friend October 2015

Friend October 2015

Friend April 2021 “A Card for Grandma”

Jesus Loves Everyone & So I Can Too

Friend September 2021 “Jesus Loves Everyone” Action poem

See also the Diversity “Loving Others Who Are Different than You”

I show my love for God when I show love to others. (Jr)

1 John 4:10–11, 20–21

Read 1 John 4:11 to the children, and sing a song about God’s love, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228). Ask a few children to share how they know that Heavenly Father loves them. After each answer, invite the children to hug themselves and say, “God is love, and God loves me.”(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Friend November 2023 “Bright Idea”

Read 1 John 4:21 to the children. Invite them to talk about or act out various ways they could show love toward a friend, such as giving a hug or making a card. How do these things make our friends feel? How does Heavenly Father feel when we do kind things for others?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Friend March 2021 “For Little Friends” Circle the ways you can show kindness!


Friend February 2017 “Sharing Love with Friends” Rentalyn tells how she shares love.

I show my love for God when I show love to others. (Sr)

1 John 2:8–114:7–8, 20–21

Ask the children to imagine that someone new has begun attending their school or ward and does not yet know anyone there. How might this person feel? Invite a child to read 1 John 4:7–8. What does this verse suggest about how we should treat this person? Share similar scenarios, or ask the children to think of situations in which they might have opportunities to show love.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Friend February 2023 “How Can I Help Everyone Feel Welcome?”

Friend June 2021 “Be Kind”

Friend September 2020 “Friends By Mail” A family came up with some kindness tips: “If there’s a new kid at school, offer to show them around and introduce them to your other friends. Share things about yourself so they get to know you, and ask questions about them.”

Ask the children to read 1 John 4:7–8, 20–21, and invite them to each write one sentence to summarize what they think is the most important lesson in these verses. After they share their sentences, share a story from your life or from a Friend or Liahona magazine that you feel illustrates what these verses teach (see, for example, “Say Hello to Halim,” Friend, June 2019, 8–9; or Liahona, June 2019, F18–F19). Invite the children to share their own examples. How can we show love to those around us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Friend June 2019 “Say Hello to Halim! Marcus puts a kind note in the new boy’s bucket to help him feel welcome because it looked like Halim was struggling with moving to a new country and a new school. Marcus’s class has buckets on their desks because their teacher wants them to write kind notes to each other to help fill the imaginary buckets inside of them.

Friend April 2022 “Go Sit by Him” The Holy Ghost tells Sierra to go sit by a boy who had been bullied and was sad and alone. She felt peaceful all day after she listened to the Holy Ghost.

Friend October 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy befriends a girl who is being made fun of because of the religious clothing (hijab) she wears. She shows respect for the girl’s faith and beliefs and invites her to meet her friends.

Read 1 John 4:17, and explain to the children that to “have boldness in the day of judgment” means having confidence and peace when they stand before God to be judged. What does this verse teach that we need to do to have this confidence? What are some things we can do now to be confident before God? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

The Red Crystal


Charity/ Love: Stories

Posted on

Love Helps Strengthen Us

Friend January 2022 “Not So Lonely” Damián takes the bus to his grandparents house every Saturday so he can go to church with them on Sunday. It’s lonely going alone and wishes the rest of his family would come with him. Then Damian remembers all the people who love him including his family and Heavenly Father and Jesus, and that helps him not feel so lonely.

Friend April 2022 “Somebody Loves You” When Sister Susan H. Porter, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, was on her way to a new job, she started worrying that she wasn’t good enough. Then she had a clear feeling to try her best and remember that even if it doesn’t go well, there’s somebody who loves her.

Love Your Enemies

Friend December 2020 “A Gift of Friendship” Hermann was forced to fight with the Germans in World War 2. He was captured and put in a British POW camp. President Camm from the branch came to visit him when he heard he was a member. He and Hermann taught other prisoners of war the gospel and they were allowed to go to church. Hermann was nervous that the members would see him as their enemy. At first they were nervous around him but soon grew to trust him. Hermann carved toys for the children to thank the members for being so kind to him.

Friend January 2019 “Something Nice for Mean Mr. Gates” Michael wants to be like Jesus and love his grumpy neighbor Mr. Gates, so he makes him cookies even though everyone tries to persuade him not to. When Michael delivers the cookies, Mr. Gates smiles for the first time Michael had ever seen.

Friend January 2018 “A Friend for Mr. Maurice” Carter’s neighbor, Mr. Maurice, seems mean. Carter’s father tells him that Jesus taught that we are to love everyone. Carter tries to be kind and help Mr. Maurice and finds out Mr. Maurice is easier to love than expected.

Friend November 2017 “The Vegetable Thief” Earl is upset when he sees a lady taking vegetables from their garden, but he learns what charity means when his mother has him give the lady their best vegetables for her starving family.

Friend June 2017 “An Extra Dose of Love” Ashley’s mom likes to get to church early to look for people who need an extra dose of love. She sends those people cards. Ashley thinks of a friend who might need a card.

Friend January 2016 “Show the Love in your Heart” Lesson ideas about showing love for others.

Friend January 2016
Friend January 2016

Charity is the Pure Love of Christ.

We include others when we have charity in our hearts..

Friend June 1988 “Losers Win”  Kristen asks a boy who has a prosthetic leg and isnt participating to be her partner in the three legged race, and they both have fun even though they don’t win.

Friend October 2016 “A New Picture for May” In Primary class May is sad because she doesn’t know how her family shows love for each other, but her friend adds May’s picture to her family chain with Jesus. May knows Jesus loves her and her friend loves her. (We are all brothers and sisters and Jesus is our elder brother.)

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Valentine’s

Friend February 1986 “A Valentine for Carla”  Lucy is reluctant to give a Valentine card to a girl who bully’s others, but Lucy makes the card which makes the girl happy.

Love Your Enemies

Friend February 1986 “Secret Formula” Aaron learns that the formula for getting rid of an enemy is love.


Fathers: Stories & Poems

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Showing Love for Father

Friend September 2023 “The Best Present” Josiah and Madeline make gifts for their father’s birthday celebration. Afterwards, they happily helped clean up. Their father said that when they are helping and being kind to one another, it is the best gift. Later, they fight over toys and they notice their father’s sad face. They decide to try harder to be kind to each other. When their father walks by and smiles, they feel like they have succeeded in giving him a great present.

Fathers Support Their Children

Friend July 2018 “Race Day with Dad” When Elder Natriss was a child he wanted to build a derby car. His father helped him. Then he took his car to a derby race. His car wasn’t fancy like the other cars and people were laughing, but he was okay because his dad was with him. He won all the races and got second place.

We can also have confidence in our righteous choices, even though they may not be popular, because our Heavenly Father is with us.

Fathers Help Their Children

Friend June 2019 “Guess Who?” Action Rhyme of guessing who the person is.

Friend June 2017 “Running with Dad” TJ is sad and lonely after moving, but he feels better after he and his dad  start preparing to run a marathon together.

Friend May 2022 “A Prayer in the Storm” Alexis was scared of the thunder in the storm and didn’t feel safe. She found her dad and asked if they could say a prayer. After the prayer she felt peaceful and wasn’t afraid anymore.

Fathers Teach Their Children

The Price of Shaving Cream – A father teaches his son honesty and consequences of stealing. Friend June 1984

Through Service

Friend June 2018 “An Unbeatable Team” Tyrell was excited to watch his father play church basketball, but when they got there his father noticed no one had cleaned the building, so he and Tyrell cleaned. 

Through Example

Friend June 2017 “Why are Fathers so Important?” Elder Christopherson’s father set an example of honesty and service and Elder Christopherson wanted to be just like his father.

Friend June 1986 “For Little Friends: Daddy’s Shoes” Poem about boy who fills his daddy’s shoes when he helps his mother. He also observes the things his father does in his shoes.

Friend June 1986 Poem

Father’s Love

Friend June 1988 “My Dad’s Shoes” Annie has to give a talk about her father. Her father isn’t a member of the church, but he shows love for others and his family, and that is what Annie talks about.

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Kim’s Father – Kim’s father wasn’t raised to show affection and love, but he feels it. Friend June 1986

Father’s Blessings

Friend February 2016 “You are Special” Emma gets a father’s blessing.

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Proud of Dad/ See the Good

Friend February 2022 “Danilo’s Dad” Danilo got teased at school because his dad was the custodian. He tried to avoid his dad at school. Then his dad got an award for the best teacher because he was a hard worker and always cheerful, and he taught that by example. Danilo knew how hard his father worked, and also, his dad didn’t let what others say bother him. Maybe his dad could teach Danilo how to do that. He gave his dad a big hug and told him he was proud of him.

Fathers Need to Make Time for their Children

Friend June 2020 “Swimming Like a Seahorse” Robin passed off his seahorse swimming badge and wanted to show his father what he could do. His father promised he would go swimming with Robin, but he never seemed to have time. One morning as he was praying, Robin asked Heavenly Father to give his dad some extra time so they could go to the pool. After Robin’s prayer, his dad came in and said they should go to the pool. His dad said that he felt the Holy Ghost reminding him that he needed to make time for his son.

Stepfathers

Friend June 2020 ” The Strongest Person She Knew” Olivia had to write a paper about the strongest person she knew.. Her stepfather lifted weights and ran so she decides to write about him. Then, Olivia started noticing all the things her stepfather did for the family and realized that there were many ways to be strong, like doing hard things.


Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children

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Lesson 35

Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children

Preparation

  • Items needed: a marker or pen for each child, tape, magnets, a highlighter marker, thread or string, and several pieces of red or pink paper.
  • Print and cut out the visual aids pdf or word.
  • Directions for making the envelope and heart visual aid: Cut the thread into two, 20 inch lengths. Place the first page of cut out hearts face down in two rows in the same order as they were laid out on the page. The hearts should be about 1 ½ inches apart. Place one string on row one with the end of the string in the middle of the bottom heart. Put a piece of tape over the string on each heart so each heart is attached to the string. Do the same thing with the other row of hearts and string. Add the heart labeled “listens” to the top of row one. You should end up with a piece of string at the top that is four inches long on row one and five and half inches on row two. Using an x-acto knife, cut along the dotted line on the envelope. Tape the top of each string to the back of the envelope, each about two inches from a side. Put the string of hearts through the envelope opening you cut. Glue or tape the back edges of the envelope to a piece of heavy paper, leaving the top of the x-acto cut edge open. You should now have an envelope pocket. Stack the rows of hearts in order, and put the two stacks into the envelope.
  • Mobile Handout: Print (or copy) and cut out an envelope for each child. Cut two pieces of string, 13 inches long, per child. Cut out eight hearts per child by folding several pieces of pink or red paper into thirds lengthwise, then placing half of a blank heart along the folded edge, and finally cutting out the hearts using the half a heart as a pattern (or you can purchase precut packages of hearts).
  • Print the word search onto colored paper.
  • Optional: prepare the salt attention activity found here.

Attention Activity

  • In what ways do your mother and father show they love you? (They make rules to keep you safe. They help you and teach you. They give you hugs and kisses. Some parents may even write notes telling you how much they love you.)

Point out that people show love through their actions. Show the children the word search and have them find the words that are actions of love. (All the words are horizontal.) When a child finds a word, have that child come up and mark it with a highlighter or circle it with a pencil.

Word Search Answers: ATTENTIVE, TEACHES, CONSIDERATE, CONCERNED, PRAYS, SACRIFICES, PATIENT, LISTENS, HELPS, SUPPORTS, COMFORTS, FORGIVING

Put the envelope on the board with the opening facing downward. Explain that in today’s lesson they will learn about the love the Savior has for them. Point out that each of the action words in the crossword puzzle has been demonstrated by the Savior in our behalf. Jesus’s loving actions are like messages that remind us that he loves us.

Scripture Account

Put the flannel board image of Jesus on the board, and remind the children that in last week’s lesson they learned that Jesus taught the Nephites the beatitudes. As he prepared to leave at the end of the day, he perceived that the people did not fully understand what he had taught. Have a child read 3 Nephi 17:1–3 as the other children follow along. Have the children look for what the Savior told the Nephites they should do in order to gain more understanding.

  • What does it mean to ponder? (It means to thoughtfully consider something and deeply think about it.)

Point out the Savior’s instruction found in 3 Nephi 17:3 that the Nephites should “prepare [their] minds for the morrow,” for when Jesus would return to teach them again.

  • How do you prepare your mind for an important lesson such as a school assignment? You read and learn about the subject, you ponder on (or think about) what you have been taught in order to understand it more thoroughly, and you may even ask for help from a parent to help you understand it further.
  • What happens if you don’t prepare for an assignment by doing these things? (You may not properly understand the material.)

It is the same with the gospel; in order to understand the gospel we need to think about what we have been taught, study it thoroughly, and ask our Heavenly Father for help in understanding it. Through the Holy Ghost our minds can be enlightened and we can receive understanding. When we understand a concept better then we are ready to learn more and add to our understanding and knowledge.

  • In the scripture that was just read, what did the Savior do to show his love for the people? (He wanted the people to understand the things he had taught so they could progress spiritually.)

The Savior has taught us many things. These teachings can be found in the scriptures. Someone who loves us teaches us the things that will help us in life. (Take the heart out of the envelope that says “teaches.” It will be the first one in the pile on the left.)

  • Have a child read 3 Nephi 17:4-5, and then ask the children how the Nephites responded when the Savior expressed his intention to depart. (They wept and were sad. They wanted him to stay longer.)
  • Have a child read 3 Nephi 17:6-8. Ask the children how the Savior responded when he saw the Nephite’s sorrow. (He had compassion upon them and asked if they had any sick or afflicted among them. He explained that he would heal them because he had perceived their desire to have the miracles shown to them that he had performed in Jerusalem. He also perceived that they had the faith to be healed. )
  • How did the Savior demonstrate his love for the people? (He was filled with compassion for them. Compassion means he cared about their feelings. He was filled with sympathy and understanding.)

A person who loves us is considerate of our feelings. (Have a child take the heart out of the envelope that says “considerate.” It will be the first heart in the pile on the right.) (Alternate drawing from the left and right when the remaining hearts are mentioned.)

Have a child read 3 Nephi 17:9. Afterwards, put the picture of the sick and afflicted Nephites on the board.

  • What types of ailments did Jesus heal? (The lame (those unable to walk), the blind (those unable to see), the dumb (those unable to speak–which was most likely due to deafness))
  • What types of ailments might be included in afflictions of “any manner”? (All other types of physical illnesses and disorders, but also mental and emotional difficulties and disorders.)

Ask students to ponder ways in which they may be “afflicted” and what they would ask the Savior to heal if he were to bless them personally. Remind them that even though the Savior is not here to minister to them in person, his power to bless and heal is available through the priesthood. If it is his will that they be healed, and if they have faith, then they can be healed. If it is not his will, then we need to trust in the Lord and his purposes, but we also need to remember that the Lord will help us deal with the affliction if we ask for his help.

Point out that someone who loves us will be there for us when we have problems and difficulties. That person would offer comfort, support, and help. (Have children take the hearts out of the envelope that say “comforts”, “supports”, and “helps.”  Remember that they alternate from left to right and then back to left again.)

After Jesus Christ healed the sick, he had the children brought to him. He had the people gather around them and kneel.  He then said a prayer that was so wonderful and marvelous that the people could not even describe it. (Read 3 Nephi 17:14-17) (Optional: Do the salt object lesson.)

The hearts of the people were filled with joy when they heard the words that Jesus prayed to the Father in their behalf.

Point out that someone who loves us will pray for us. They will appeal to Heavenly Father for His help in watching over us, protecting us, and guiding us. (Have a child take the heart out of the envelope that says “prays.”)

After Jesus arose from his prayer, he noticed that the people were overcome with joy. The great faith of the multitude filled him with such joy that he wept.

A person who loves us is filled with joy when we make good choices; but they can also be filled with sadness when we make bad choices. Remind them that Jesus groaned inside himself because of the wickedness of the people of Israel. Explain that those who love us are concerned about us. They want us to make good choices. (Have a child take the heart out of the envelope that says “concerned.”)

After Jesus wept, he took the children one by one and lovingly blessed them and prayed to the Father for them. He tenderly took time for each individual child because of his great love for children.

  • Someone who loves us will share their time with us. They will pay attention to us and listen to us. (Have children take the hearts out of the envelope that say “attentive” and “listens.”)
  • How would you feel if Jesus Christ held you in his arms, blessed you, and prayed to Heavenly Father for you?

After blessing the children, the Savior told the people to look upon their little ones. The heavens opened and angels descended out of heaven and encircled the children. It appeared as if they were in a midst of fire. (Put the picture of the children on the board.) The angels ministered unto the children. The heavenly attention bestowed upon the children of the Nephites is further evidence of the special love Jesus has for children.

Ask the children if they can think of any other things Jesus has done that shows his great love for us. Have them look at the word search to get ideas, but they must explain how Jesus demonstrated that action. For example, Jesus demonstrated sacrifice by suffering and paying the price for our sins. Write on the blank hearts any other actions the children think of that are not included in the word search. Have the children then attach these hearts to the board with magnets or tape, making a pile underneath the other hearts.

Knowing that Jesus loves us helps us to have faith and trust in him. Because he loves us, we know that he wants what is best for us. He wants the things for us that will bring us eternal happiness and peace. If we have faith in Jesus and keep his commandments then we can someday live with him and Heavenly Father. again. One of the greatest joys is being able to be with the people we love and with those who love us.

Handout

Have the children make their own mobile with the blank hearts you have prepared. Hand out an envelope, a set of eight hearts, and a marker or pen to each child. Have them write eight of the ways Jesus has shown love for them on their hearts, and then have them tape the hearts to the string and tape the top of the string to the envelope opening. Remind the children that each heart is like a message from Jesus that reminds them that he loves them.

Weekly Reading Assignment

Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: 3 Nephi 17:1-25



Family: Lesson Ideas

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Family

Friend September 2020 “I Love My Family!” In Heavenly Father’s plan, we are all part of a family! We have a heavenly family and a family on earth. We can be with our families forever.

Friend July 2021 “Heavenly Father Has a Plan for Me”

Friend April 2021 Homes come in many shapes and sizes. No matter what a house is made of, it’s the people inside who are important! Trace the drawings of these homes from around the world. Then draw your own house.

Respecting and Standing Up for Family Members

Friend September 2023 “Women of Faith”

Friend September 2023 “Building Respect” When Noah’s sister and her friends walked by, a friend of Noah’s said mean things about girls, and that they didn’t want to play with them. Noah stood up for his sister and asked his friend not to say things like that.

Families are a Treasure

Ensign February 2017 President Monson tells a story about a mother who had a special treasure box. When her children opened the box, they found pictures of themselves. The mother’s treasure was her family!

True treasure isn’t gold or jewels—it’s the people you love. Whom do you love? Draw a picture of them or write their names in the treasure box.

Variety in Families

Friend June 2020 “What’s on Your Mind” Sometimes I worry about my family. How can I feel OK when my family isn’t perfect? Sometimes it might seem like other families are perfect. But every family is different, and they all have challenges. See the below pictures of families in the scriptures.

Family Happiness

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.

Family Proclamation

Ensign January 2017 “Teaching the Proclamation to Children”

Liahona April 2024 “A Firm Foundation: Teaching Children the Family Proclamation” Ideas for helping children learn the proclamation.

Family Prayer

Friend July 2017 “For Parents of Little Ones” The importance of family prayer and ideas on how to make family prayer more meaningful.

Family Scripture Study

Friend November 2022 “Jesus Said”

Resolving Family Discord

I Can Be Kind to My Family.

Genesis CHAPTER 37

Jacob loves and favors Joseph, who is hated by his brothers—Joseph dreams that his parents and brothers make obeisance to him—His brothers sell him into Egypt.

Old Testament Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students “Unit 7: Day 3, Genesis 33–37” It may help you to understand the following: Sheaves (see Genesis 37:7) are bundles of wheat. To make obeisance (see Genesis 37:7) means to bow down before a superior to show deep respect. To rebuke (see Genesis 37:10) is to reprimand or correct. To observe (see Genesis 37:11), in this context, means to consider and reflect.

Friend May 2018 “Jacob’s Sons: Funstuff” The prophet Jacob had 12 sons. Can you find the two sons dressed exactly the same?

Old Testament Stories “Joseph’s Inspired Dreams” Illustrations

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and treated him unkindly. How can you help the children understand the importance of being kind to others, especially family members?

  • To tell the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 37. Let the children help by sharing details they know about the story. Ask them questions such as, “How were Joseph’s brothers unkind to him?” Help the children think of things the brothers could have done to show love to Joseph. What should we do when we feel anger toward members of our family?

Friend September 2021 “Saying the Nice Things” Jonathon wasn’t looking forward to the weekend because lately there had been more bickering and teasing in the family. He prayed for help figuring out a way to make things better. Then he had an idea for home evening. When he conducted, he started a new thing where whoever conducts says a nice thing about each family member. Everyone felt warm and happy after Jonathon said nice things about them.

Friend June 2019 “Family Night Fun” Ideas for a FHE lesson on family love. For example: Write on hearts things you love about each other or things you can do to show kindness in your family. Put the hearts around your house to remind you to show love this week. Also, make a strawberry heart shish-ka-bob for the refreshment

Ensign July 2017 Make a paper doll chain and on each doll write something you love about a family member.

Liahona June 2021 “The Godhead and Loving Others: Family Study Fun”

Spin It for a Minute

  1. Everyone sit in a circle. Discuss some small acts of kindness family members can do for each other.
  2. Place a pencil in the middle of the circle.
  3. Take turns spinning the pencil.
  4. Whoever the pencil points to must act out as many kindnesses as possible in one minute.
  5. Continue until each person has had at least one turn.

Friend October 2019 “Family Night Fun” Have each person write their name at the bottom of a paper and draw an outline of their head in the middle. Have everyone pass their paper to the person next to them. Add something to the head—like eyes or hair—to look like the person whose name is on the paper. Then write something nice about them on the page. Keep passing the papers, adding to the pictures and writing nice things, until everyone gets their own paper back. You can strengthen your family by being kind and seeing the best in each other!

Friend September 2016 “Family Night Fun” Musical chairs but when someone gets out have everyone say one nice thing about them. Look for the good.

Friend September 2016
Friend September 2016

Friend July 2015 – A girl learns that she controls how she reacts to annoying brother.

  • Show a picture of a family (see Gospel Art Book, no. 112), or invite the children to draw pictures of their families. Ask them to share ways they can be kind to their family members.
  • Let the children color this week’s activity page and, in the space provided, draw a picture of family members being kind.
  • Sing together a song about loving our families, such as “A Happy Family” (Children’s Songbook, 198). What can we do to help our families be happy?

Family Unity

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,” 

Write on separate pieces of paper some activities, traditions, and actions that can help develop unity within a family, such as family home evening, family prayer, family scripture study, mealtime, holiday celebrations, birthday celebrations, being kind to each other, and being unselfish.Discuss with the children what unity means and how unity can be developed within a family. To help the children identify ways that their families can develop feelings of love and unity, let each child choose a piece of paper and give clues to the other children about the activity or action described on his or her paper. Have the other children guess the activity or action. Then invite the children to tell about how that activity or action has blessed and strengthened their families.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24-25  Explain that when God says something twice in a row, it is probably something that we should pay extra attention to. What does it mean to esteem someone as yourself? We need to value others as much as we value ourselves. We need each other. We need each others strength, support, and gifts and talents. Have the children tell what different parts of the body does. Explain that each part of the body is important and needed. Just like our body parts are united and working together, we need to be united as people and learn to work together as one.

To teach children what it means to “be one,” you could help them count the members of your family and talk about why each person is important to your family. Emphasize that together you are one family. You could help your children draw a large 1 on a poster and decorate it with names and drawings or pictures of each family member. You could also write on the poster things you will do to be more united as a family. You might also watch the video “Love in Our Hearts” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) or read Moses 7:18.

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun Working Together: Jesus taught us to “be one” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). That means working together with the people around us to accomplish the same goal.

  • Choose a partner and stand next to each other, shoulder to shoulder. Use a scarf or rope to gently tie your ankle to your partner’s. Work together to practice walking. How fast can you get safely from one place to another?
  • Sing “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel” (Hymns, no. 252).

Share an object lesson that illustrates how things can be combined or united to become one, such as pieces of cloth that make one quilt or ingredients that make one loaf of bread. What do these examples teach us about becoming one as God’s people? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”,

Sing “We Are Different” (Children’s Songbook,140–41, 263).

1. I know you, and you know me. We are as diff’rent as the sun and the sea I know you, and you know me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

2. I help you, and you help me. We learn from problems, and we’re starting to see. I help you, and you help me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

3. I love you, and you love me We reach together for the best we can be I love you, and you love me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

Ensign April 2021“Family Study Fun” United as One

In Doctrine and Covenants 38:27, the Savior says, “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” We are encouraged to be one that we “might escape the power of the enemy” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:31).

  1. Stand together in the center of the room.
  2. Choose one person to walk through the middle of the group.
  3. Repeat the exercise but this time as a group stand closer together, linking arms and hands if possible.

Discussion: How are we more protected from outside influences as we stand stronger and closer together? How does greater unity protect us?

Ensign August 2019 “Family Study Fun: Human Knot”  (best with four-plus people) Paul tells the Saints that there should be “no divisions among” them and that they should be “perfectly joined together” in mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). Stand everyone in a circle. Have everyone reach out their right hand and take someone else’s (not next to them). Do the same with the left hand, taking a different person’s hand. Work together to untangle the knot without letting go of any hands. End up in a circle again. Discussion: What can we do as a family to be more “joined together”? How can we work together to remove divisions?

Family Council

Friend July 2017 “What is a Family Council?” A family council is a meeting on any day of the week. It can be with just you and a parent or with your whole family.

Families Work Together

Friend March 2018 “Funstuff” Have the family work together to put together the tangram puzzle of the house. Explain that when family members each help contribute to  building a strong, happy family then all the pieces of family life fit together properly and harmoniously.

Friend July 2017 “Busy Like a Bee” Elder Ballard tells how bees work together to strengthen the hive.

Family Members Help Each Other

Friend January 2023 “How Can Your Family Help Each Other?”

I Love My Family, and I Can Help Care for My Family.

Doctrine and Covenants 126

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “The Saints in Nauvoo”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 125-128”

  • Share with the children the information about Brigham Young in “Chapter 50: The Saints in Nauvoo” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 184), or summarize Doctrine and Covenants 126 in your own words. Then read Doctrine and Covenants 126:3 to the children, emphasizing the phrase “take especial care of your family.” What does it mean to take care of our families? Help the children think of ways they can show love to their family members.
  • Before class, invite the children to bring a picture of their family (or ask them to draw pictures). Then ask them to share something they love about their family. Share a picture of your family, and do the same. Explain why Heavenly Father wants us to care for our family members. Sing a song that teaches this truth, such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198).
  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 126:3. Why might Heavenly Father have asked Brigham Young to “take especial care of [his] family”? How can we do the same for our families? Make a list of the things we can do now to serve our families. How will doing these things help us become more like Heavenly Father?
  • Share with the children Sister Carole M. Stephens’s story about her grandson Porter (see “We Have Great Reason to Rejoice,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 115). What did Porter do to take care of his family? How can we follow his example?

Latter Day Kids “Serving in Our Families” Lesson ideas

Reading this counsel to Brigham Young might inspire your family to talk about how you might spend more time taking “especial care of” (verse 3) each other.

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Take turns saying nice things about each other. Help your little ones say, “I love my family.”

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

Friend January 2018

Helping Family Members

Friend January 2017 “Show & Tell” My three-month-old baby sister woke up crying from her nap while my mom was in the shower. I sang Primary songs to her, and she smiled at me. I kept singing to her until my mom was able to get her. Nora R., age 4, Virginia, USA

Friend November 2022 “A Happy Helper” Felix helps his mom get ready for Grandpa’s visit. Activity: Heavenly Father wants us to help others. Point to ways these children are helping.

Siblings

Friend May 2017 ” Conference Notes” Sister Jones told the story of five-year-old Lizzie and her big brother, Kevin. Kevin’s dad asked him if he would promise not to tease Lizzie for one day. Kevin agreed. He kept his promise! Then his mom asked him to try not teasing Lizzie for two days. He kept his promise again! Sister Jones said that when we keep our promises, we are learning to make and keep sacred covenants.

What this teaches me:

New Baby in Family

Friend November 2016 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas on how to help a child adjust to having a new baby brother or sister.

Friend November 2023 “Helping Baby Brother” Lashia has a new baby brother and her mom and dad are very busy and she feels lonely. Her mother suggests that she help take care of the baby. She and her younger sister found lots of ways to help. She was glad she could help her baby brother, and her mom and dad too!

Friend January 2017 “Show & Tell” At a stake conference broadcast, Elder Hales talked about not raising our voices. I am trying not to raise my voice at my brothers. Jackson P., age 7, Tennessee, USA

Friend June 2022 “The Big Brother List” Andrew’s little sister, Samantha, kept playing with his things. One day Andrew drew a picture for his grandma, but his sister drew all over it and ruined it. He was tired of being a big brother. His mom suggested he write down some things he liked doing with her. He realized that there were lots of good things about being a big brother!

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

Helping Mother

Friend October 2022 “Jesus Helped His Mother”Jesus Christ went to a wedding in Cana. His mother, Mary, was there. She told Jesus that they were out of wine. Jesus asked His mother what she wanted Him to do. He performed a miracle and turned water into wine. Jesus loved His mother and helped her.

Friend October 2022 “Jesus Helped His Mother” My mom is allergic to dogs. We went to my friend’s house, and they have a dog. When we got home, my mom had hives on her face. I gave her an ice pack, a pillow, and a blanket. Soon her hives started to clear up. I am happy I helped my mom. (see image at link) Penelope B., age 9, Utah, USA

Family Members Support & Help Each Other

Family Love

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Show your little ones how to make a heart shape with their hands while saying, “I love my family.” Look through picture books or photos and help your child practice saying names of family members.

Live Together in Love

Doctrine and Covenants 42:45

Friend September 2020 “Loving Our Families” Cut out the strips of paper and put them in a bowl. After you do one of the activities, add a link to your chain of hearts.

Friend June 2019 “Family Night Fun” Ideas for a FHE lesson on family love. For example: Write on hearts things you love about each other or things you can do to show kindness in your family. Put the hearts around your house to remind you to show love this week. Also, make a strawberry heart shish-ka-bob for the refreshment

Ensign July 2017 Make a paper doll chain and on each doll write something you love about a family member.

Friend June 2017 “Hope for My Family” Henry B. Eyring: The hope of feeling family love now and throughout eternity.

Write the name of each family member on separate pieces of paper. Pass these papers around from person to person. On each page, each person writes what they love most about the family member whose name is at the top of the paper. Ensign January 2016

Stregthening the Family

Friend November 2021 “Conference Notes”

Friend April 2017 “Be Consistent and Keep Trying” Elder Bednar persisted in having family prayer and scripture study and in trying to get his father to join the church, and his persistence paid off.

I can be a good example to my family.

1 Nephi 16:21–32

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 As you read 1 Nephi 16:21–32 together, help your children discover how Nephi’s example blessed his family (see also the video “The Lord Guides Lehi’s Journey” [Gospel Library]). This could lead to a discussion about how we could be like Nephi. Invite your children to plan one thing they can do to be a good influence on other family members.

The Cozy Red Cottage Example match game cards also include truthful, forgiving, peacemaker, kind & loving, unselfish. (The link to download the free printables is at the end of the post.)

Friend March 2011″Daniel’s Example of Prayer” Daniel sets an example for his grandparents who aren’t members of the church.

Friend March 2011 “Being a Good Example”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 1 Nephi 11-15 Assign each child to draw a picture of something from the story of Nephi’s broken bow (see 1 Nephi 16:14–32), such as Nephi, a bow, or the Liahona. Then use the pictures to tell the story to the class, and let the children take turns doing the same. How can we be like Nephi when our families are going through hard times?

The Red Crystal How would someone with faith and hope react to the following situations? How would someone who is murmuring react?

The Cozy Red Cottage The manual states, “Perhaps your family could contrast Nephi’s account of traveling in the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 17:1-6) with his brothers’ account (1 Nephi 17:17-22). Why do you think they saw the same events differently? What can we learn from Nephi about having a faithful perspective?”
(Could write responses to the above situations on this form.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 1 Nephi 11-15 Invite the children to each cut out a paper circle and draw a sad face on one side and a happy face on another. As you tell the story of Nephi’s broken bow, invite them to use the faces to show how Nephi’s family was feeling during different parts of the story. How did Nephi help make his family happy? What can we do to make our families happy?

The Red Crystal

Our Homes Can Be “Holy Places.”

Doctrine and Covenants 87

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

No home is perfect, but there are things we can all do to make our homes into holy places of peace.

  • Explain to the children that Joseph Smith was worried about things that were happening in the world. Summarize the heading to section 87, or read “Chapter 30: A Revelation about War” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 117–18; see also the video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children to listen for things that might have made Joseph worried. To teach what the Lord said we should do about those problems, read Doctrine and Covenants 87:8.
  • Show a picture of a temple, and share why the temple is a holy place. Show a picture of a home, and help the children think of ways they can make their homes holy like the temple (see this week’s activity page). Why do we want to be in holy places?

Friend August 2021 “Bright Idea”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

To introduce a discussion about how to make your home a holier place, you could invite family members to design a home for someone who loves the Savior. This may lead to ideas about how to “redesign” your home to make it a place of peace amid the spiritual danger in the world. Songs like “Love at Home,” “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns,nos. 294, 298), or “Where Love Is” (Children’s Songbook, 138–39) could give you ideas.

Friend October 2016 “How can I help make my home a peaceful place?”

“Establish … a House of God.”

Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

The Lord’s instructions regarding the “house of God” can be a helpful guide for us as we build our lives and our homes.

  • Invite the children to choose seven words that describe their home or another home they’ve visited. Then ask them to read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 and find the seven words the Lord uses to describe His house. Help the children think of ways they can make their homes a “house of God.”
  • Give each child a phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26 to draw. When they show their pictures to each other, let the children search the verses to guess what phrase each picture represents.
  • Write on the board Do and Don’t. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26 and list things the Lord wanted the Saints to do or not do to prepare to learn in the temple. They could look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary. Invite the children to choose something that they will start doing or something they will stop doing.

Liahona August 2021 Organize Yourselves

Our homes can follow this pattern: “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119).

Organize means to arrange things in order or to prepare an activity or event.

Organize your family in different ways:

  1. Have them stand in line from oldest to youngest.
  2. Have them stand in alphabetical order, according to their first name.
  3. Have them line up according to the month of their birth.

Discussion: How does the Savior want us to organize ourselves (1) in our household jobs, (2) in our spiritual study, (3) in our worship at church and in the temple?

What goals can your family set to create a “house of God”?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

To inspire your family to make your home like the description in verse 119, try something like this: Write phrases from this verse on strips of paper, and use them to cover a picture of the temple. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 together, and let family members remove each strip of paper as they hear the corresponding phrase in the verse. What can we do to make our home a “house of God”? (verse 119).

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Building a Happy Home”

  • Sing “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns, no. 298).
  • Heavenly Father wants us to “establish … a house of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119). He wants us to make our homes holy places like the temple, where we can feel the Holy Ghost.
  • Read “The Important Guest” on page 4. Then build a house out of blocks, sticks, or other items you can find. Every time you add a piece to the house, say something you can do to make your home a place where the Holy Ghost feels welcome.

Building our homes with the Lord

Psalms 127–28.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 What does it mean for the Lord to help us “build [our] house”? (Psalm 127:1). How can we better involve Him in our efforts to create a righteous home? To help your family answer this question, you might draw a house on a piece of paper and cut it into puzzle pieces. On the back of each piece, family members could write or draw ways to make the Lord part of your home. Then you could put the puzzle together. What else do we find in these psalms that inspires us to walk in the Lord’s ways?

Hubbard’s Cupboard Click on the link to print the 6 pieces of this house. The children (or family members) could each write a way to create a righteous home on the front of a piece and then they could build the house together. Or each child (or family member) could draw a part of the house on a paper or chalkboard as they mention ways make a righteous home.

Love, Kindness, and Looking for the Good

Liahona June 2021 “The Godhead and Loving Others: Family Study Fun”

Spin It for a Minute

Doctrine and Covenants 64:33

  1. Everyone sit in a circle. Discuss some small acts of kindness family members can do for each other.
  2. Place a pencil in the middle of the circle.
  3. Take turns spinning the pencil.
  4. Whoever the pencil points to must act out as many kindnesses as possible in one minute.
  5. Continue until each person has had at least one turn.

Discussion: What acts of kindness can we do for our neighbors, ward members, ourselves? How can even small, simple acts lead to great things?

Friend October 2019 “Family Night Fun” Have each person write their name at the bottom of a paper and draw an outline of their head in the middle. Have everyone pass their paper to the person next to them. Add something to the head—like eyes or hair—to look like the person whose name is on the paper. Then write something nice about them on the page. Keep passing the papers, adding to the pictures and writing nice things, until everyone gets their own paper back. You can strengthen your family by being kind and seeing the best in each other!

Friend September 2016 “Family Night Fun” Musical chairs but when someone gets out have everyone say one nice thing about them. Look for the good.

Friend September 2016
Friend September 2016

Families Are Forever

SECTION 131

1–4, Celestial marriage is essential to exaltation in the highest heaven; 5–6, How men are sealed up unto eternal life is explained; 7–8, All spirit is matter.

SECTION 132

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, recorded July 12, 1843, relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternity of the marriage covenant and the principle of plural marriage. Although the revelation was recorded in 1843, evidence indicates that some of the principles involved in this revelation were known by the Prophet as early as 1831. See Official Declaration 1.

1–6, Exaltation is gained through the new and everlasting covenant; 7–14, The terms and conditions of that covenant are set forth; 15–20, Celestial marriage and a continuation of the family unit enable men to become gods; 21–25, The strait and narrow way leads to eternal lives; 26–27, The law is given relative to blasphemy against the Holy Ghost; 28–39, Promises of eternal increase and exaltation are made to prophets and Saints in all ages; 40–47, Joseph Smith is given the power to bind and seal on earth and in heaven; 48–50, The Lord seals upon him his exaltation; 51–57, Emma Smith is counseled to be faithful and true; 58–66, Laws governing plural marriage are set forth.

Heavenly Father Made it Possible for Families to be Together Forever.

Through Joseph Smith, the Lord restored the ordinances and authority needed to make these relationships eternal (see Doctrine and Covenants 132:7, 18–19).

Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4132:15, 19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

Through the Lord’s sealing power and the ordinances of the temple, our family relationships can last eternally if we keep our covenants.

  • Help the children think of examples of things that do not last forever—food that spoils, flowers that wither, and so on. Show a picture of your family, and share how you feel about them. Testify that the Lord has made it possible, through the ordinances of the temple, for families to last forever.
  • Open the Doctrine and Covenants to section 132, and tell the children that this is a revelation to Joseph Smith about marriage and families. Show them verse 19, and point to the words “through all eternity” as you read them. Invite the children to read these words with you.
  • Help the children make paper dolls representing members of their family (see this week’s activity page). Cut them out, and put them in an envelope or attach them together with a paper clip to represent the sealing power that can make our families eternal.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

Regardless of our current family situation, we can make choices now that will prepare us to receive the blessings of an eternal family in the future.

  • Ask some of the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4 and others to read 132:15. Help them discover what these verses teach about marriage. Select key phrases from 132:19 (such as “if a man marry a wife,” “everlasting covenant,” “sealed,” “abide in my covenant,” “through all eternity,” and “forever and ever”), and ask the children to find these phrases in the verse. What do these phrases teach us about marriage?
  • Sing “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188), or review “Chapter 55: A Revelation about Marriage” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 198). Ask the children to listen for and be prepared to share what we must do so that our families can be eternal. Testify that no matter our current family situation, we can prepare ourselves to be part of an eternal family.
  • Ask some of the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4 and others to read 132:15. Help them discover what these verses teach about marriage. Select key phrases from 132:19 (such as “if a man marry a wife,” “everlasting covenant,” “sealed,” “abide in my covenant,” “through all eternity,” and “forever and ever”), and ask the children to find these phrases in the verse. What do these phrases teach us about marriage?
  • Sing “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188), or review “Chapter 55: A Revelation about Marriage” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 198). Ask the children to listen for and be prepared to share what we must do so that our families can be eternal. Testify that no matter our current family situation, we can prepare ourselves to be part of an eternal family.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Eternal Marriage”

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

Draw a picture of a temple together. Have each person help draw one part. Help your little ones say, “Temples bless our family.”

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

  • Sing “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188).
  • Jesus taught that families are important. In the temple, we can be sealed to our families forever (see Doctrine and Covenants 132:19).
  • Make a family tree! Have each family member make a paper leaf and write their name on it. On another paper, draw a tree trunk. Then glue or tape the leaves to the top of the tree.

Friend November 2021 “Families Are Forever” Coloring Page

Additional Teaching Resources

Friend March 2018 “What’s on Your  Mind” A child wants to know how his family will be together forever if his parents are divorced.

Friend June 2017 “Hope for My Family” Henry B. Eyring: The hope of feeling family love now and throughout eternity.

Ensign August 2016 “The Hope of Eternal Family Love”  Because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement and the restoration of priesthood power to seal families, we can live with our families forever! What do you love about your family? Follow these instructions to make this paper chain to celebrate your family.
Fold a piece of paper in half twice so you have one long strip.
Draw a person with hands reaching the folded edges.
Cut the person out. Don’t cut where the hands touch the folded edges.
Unfold it. Write or draw something you love about each family member.
Tape multiple chains together if you have a larger family!

Make a family banner with the family name on it, and then draw pictures of what is important to your family, like the temple, love, Jesus, etc.

  • Sing together the second verse of “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188) or another song about families. Help the children think of ways they can prepare to be married in the temple someday and have an eternal family.

Friend October 2023 “Remembering Abuela” Lyan and her family were celebrating “Day of the Dead” . But this year was different because her grandmother was one of the family members they would remembering. Lyan missed her grandmother. But her mother helped her remember that because of Jesus Christ, they would all be resurrected. And since they were sealed in the temple, they would all be together as a family someday.

Family Adversity

Divorce

Friend August 2015 “Help! Someone’s Getting a Divorce” – responses to children’s concerns.

Parents and Family Members Help Us

Friend October 2020 “What’s on Your Mind” Ways to help children talk to parents about important things even when they are embarrassed or scared.

Friend April 2016: “I Need to Talk” Lesson on how to teach children to talk to a parent about a problem

image

Heavenly Father Wants Parents to Teach Their Children.

Moses 6:57–58

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

From the time of Adam and Eve, parents have been commanded to teach their children the gospel. How can you encourage the children to listen to and follow the righteous teachings of their parents?

  • Read Moses 6:58 to the children, and show the picture of Adam and Eve’s family in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Help the children repeat the phrase “teach these things freely unto your children.” Explain that God wants all parents to follow Adam and Eve’s example by teaching their children about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Ask the children what they can do when their parents or others teach them the gospel.
  • Help the children match pictures of themselves to their parents or pictures of baby animals to adult animals. How do parents help their children? What do they teach them? Ask the children to draw pictures of their families at times when parents teach children, such as reading the scriptures together, praying together, or eating together.

Parents are Responsible to Teach Their Children.

God trusts parents to be the primary gospel teachers in their families. How can you encourage the children to support their parents in this role?

  • Ask a child to read Moses 6:58. What commandment did Heavenly Father give to parents in this verse? Show a picture of Adam and Eve teaching their children (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and let the children talk about what they see in the picture. Encourage them to talk about important gospel truths they have learned from their families.
  • Help the children write thank-you notes to their parents or plan other simple ways to express their appreciation for their parents. Sing a song about families, such as “Love Is Spoken Here” (Children’s Songbook, 190–91). How can we help our parents create a loving atmosphere in our homes?

Latter Day Kids “Teach These Things” Lesson ideas to go with the below video.

Friend March 2019 “A Lesson From My Parents” Color the pictures and circle the things a parent or other family member has taught you. What else can you think of?

Friend February 2018 ”Adam and Eve Taught their Family”

Coloring Page: “Adam and Eve Teach Their Children” (Feb. 2010 Friend)

Obeying and Honoring Parents

Parents and Marriage

Marriage is Ordained of God

Marriage Between Man and Woman is Essential to God’s Plan.

Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 49-50”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 49–50”

What truths about marriage do you learn from Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17? Why do you feel marriage between a man and a woman is essential to Heavenly Father’s plan? Elder David A. Bednar gave two reasons: “Reason 1: The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation. … Reason 2: By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best setting for the rearing and nurturing of children” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign, June 2006, 83–84). See also 1 Corinthians 11:11

Ephesians 5:31, 33

 United We Stand Pair up two people of relatively equal size. Have them sit on the floor back to back, arms linked. Have them stand up by pushing off each other. Repeat, but this time have only one person push.

Discussion: Why is having two people work together easier? Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (see Ensign,May 2017, 145). What roles do fathers and mothers have? How do they work together?

Friend October 2016

Friend October 2016

When One or Both Parents Don’t Attend Church

Ensign June 2019

Special

Friend July 2018 “Family Night Fun” Fill a poster with words and pictures of what your family does to make your home special.

Friend July 2018