Jesus Christ washing the feet of the Apostles

Jesus Washing the Apostles’ Feet, by Del Parson

April 25

How Can I Be More Christlike in My Service to Others?

Doctrine and Covenants 41–44

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Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. What recent experiences have brought us closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

• Care for those in need. Has someone recently moved into our ward or joined the Church? How can we help them feel welcome?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. Are there any activities coming up that we can invite our friends to attend?

• Unite families for eternity. What efforts can we make to record our personal histories?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind quorum or class members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

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Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

When the Lord commanded the Saints to gather in Kirtland, Ohio, many people faithfully left their homes and traveled there. But this move wasn’t just about living in a new place—it was also about living in a new way. Quorum or class members may have studied Doctrine and Covenants 41–44 this week and learned about the Saints’ move to Kirtland and the law that the Lord revealed to them there. Among other things, the Lord expected the Saints to become unified as they loved and served one another (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:30–31, 38–39, 45; 44:6). What experiences could you share that would help your quorum or class feel the importance of Christlike service?

To help you prepare to teach about Christlike service, you could review “Service” in For the Strength of Youth ([2011], 32–33) and President Russell M. Nelson’s message “The Second Great Commandment” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov 2019, 96–100).

young man and older woman laughing together

We can serve others as the Savior did.

Learn Together

To begin a discussion about Christlike service, you might write on the board “Live together in love” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:45). Invite your quorum or class to read Doctrine and Covenants 42:30–31, 38–39, 45; 44:6 and list ways the Lord wanted the Saints to serve one another. What opportunities do we have, both within our homes and outside of them, to serve those who are in need physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Choose from the ideas below to inspire your quorum or class to give Christlike service to others.

• To help quorum or class members learn from the Savior’s example of service, you could assign each person to read a scripture passage about the Savior serving someone (see “Supporting Resources”). Each person could summarize the scripture passage and explain what the Savior did to serve others. What do these examples teach about what it means to serve as the Savior did? What is the difference between serving in the Savior’s way and other ways of serving? Quorum or class members could share experiences when they have tried to serve as the Savior did or when others have served them in this way.

• It might be helpful for your quorum or class to review what the Savior and His prophets have taught about service. Here are a few scripture passages they could read together: Matthew 25:31–46; Luke 10:25–37; John 13:34–35; James 1:27; Mosiah 2:17; 18:8–10. Encourage them to write down what they learn about serving others and share thoughts and experiences related to what they have learned. Then they could plan ways to give Christlike service. (They could get ideas from watching one or more of the videos in “Supporting Resources” or visiting JustServe.org.)

• To help quorum or class members in their efforts to minister to others, consider reviewing together President Bonnie H. Cordon’s message “Becoming a Shepherd” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 74–76). You could begin by showing some pictures of the Savior serving (President Cordon showed some during her message). What do these pictures teach about how we can minister in Christlike ways? Then consider inviting quorum or class members to read in pairs one of the sections of the message and share what they learned about how to serve like the Savior. They could also share what they are learning about Christlike service as they minister to others.

Act in Faith

Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.

Supporting Resources

• Matthew 14:13–21; John 9:1–11; 13:4–5, 12–17; 1 Nephi 11:31; 3 Nephi 17:5–10 (Examples of Jesus Christ serving others)

• Joy D. Jones, “For Him,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 50–52

• “If We Forget Ourselves,” “Teachings of Thomas S. Monson: Rescuing Those in Need,” “Youth in Action,” “Opportunities to Do Good” (videos), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

During His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ spent His time serving and helping those around Him. True disciples of Christ do likewise (see John 13:35). Look for opportunities to invite quorum or class members to share how they have served others and what inspired them to give service. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2016], 4–5.)