According to Thy Word, by Elspeth Young

Mary bore a powerful testimony of the Savior’s mission (see Luke 1:46–55). According to Thy Word, by Elspeth Young

January 8

How Can I Bless Others with My Testimony of Jesus Christ?

Matthew 1; Luke 1

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Counsel Together

Led by a member of the class or quorum 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: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. What did we discuss last time, and what invitations or assignments were made? What have we done to act on those invitations or assignments?

• Care for those in need. What can we do or say to reach out to those who might feel alone or distant from Heavenly Father?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. What are some ways we can help others feel the love of Jesus Christ?

• Unite families for eternity. What ideas can we share with each other to help strengthen our families?

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

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum 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

Like most faithful Jews of her time, Mary had surely been yearning for the coming of the Messiah. After learning from an angel that the wait was nearly over—and that she would be the mother of the promised Redeemer—Mary bore a beautiful testimony of “God my Saviour.” This testimony is recorded in Luke 1:46–55, and it is beloved by Christians around the world. As you read these verses, think about the people in your class or quorum. They, like Mary, are preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ—this time, for His glorious Second Coming. And also like Mary, their testimonies can have a powerful influence on the faith of those around them.

How do the people you teach feel about Jesus Christ? How could their testimonies of Him bless others? As you prepare to teach, you might also study 2 Nephi 25:23–26 and Elder Neil L. Andersen’s message “We Talk of Christ” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 88–91).

Learn Together

A great way to help the youth think about their testimonies of Jesus Christ is to examine together Mary’s testimony in Luke 1:46–55. Perhaps they could share with each other phrases that describe what Mary believed and felt about the Savior. Which of these phrases also describe how we feel about Him? For example, what causes our spirits to “[rejoice] in God”? (verse 47). What “great things” has He done for us? (verse 49). How has He showed His strength in our lives? (see verse 51). The activity ideas below could lead to conversations about how our testimonies of Christ can bless others.

• Elder Neil L. Andersen’s message “We Talk of Christ” helps explain why we should talk more openly of the Savior—and how we can do it. You might read sections of Elder Andersen’s message together. Class or quorum members could discuss reasons he gave for sharing our testimonies of Jesus Christ and his counsel on how to do so. What specific things can we do to speak of Christ more openly?

• As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we know important truths about Jesus Christ that we can share. How might you help the youth think about these truths? You could ask them to study “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” individually or in groups, looking for answers to the question “What truths about the Savior have special meaning to you?” Ask them to share the truths they found and explain why these truths are meaningful to them. They could share scriptures and their own experiences as they do. They might then discuss which truths about the Savior they could share on social media, with a friend struggling with a testimony, or with someone who is not a member of our Church.

• In addition to Luke 1:46–55, the scriptures have many other passages that could inspire us to share what we know about Jesus Christ. Some examples are listed in “Supporting Resources.” Consider reading these scriptures together. What do they teach us about how to share our testimonies of Jesus Christ with others? What else do we learn from these verses? Class or quorum members could also share things they have learned from people they know who freely share their faith in Jesus Christ.

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As we learn to know and love the Savior, we find ways to share our testimonies of Him.

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• Matthew 5:14–16; 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Nephi 25:26; Alma 5:43–50; Doctrine and Covenants 100:5–8

• Russell M. Nelson, “Let Your Faith Show” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 29–31)

• Cristina B. Franco, “Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 83–86)

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

Asking questions that encourage learners to bear testimony can be a powerful way to invite the Spirit. You might ask questions such as “How have you come to know that Jesus Christ atoned for your sins?” or “How have you come to appreciate what the Savior did for us in Gethsemane?”