How can I recognize the difference between truth and error?

During the Great Apostasy, many gospel truths were changed or lost. These truths were restored in our day through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Studying the word of God and listening to the Holy Ghost can help us recognize the difference between truths of the restored gospel and falsehoods taught by the world.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How do you discern between truth and error? What blessings have come to your life because you were able to discern between truth and error?

What are some of the falsehoods that the youth are exposed to? How can you encourage them to determine the truthfulness of the information they receive? Why is it important that they know how to do this?

Use the resources below to understand for yourself how to recognize the difference between truth and error. Your own experiences living this principle will help you teach it effectively. Then consider how the activities in the rest of this outline can help you plan ways to engage the youth in learning.

John 8:31–32; Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37 (Studying the word of God helps us recognize truth)

Isaiah 5:20; Moses 4:3–4 (Satan tries to deceive)

Moroni 7:12–19 (That which persuades us to do good and believe in Christ is of God)

Moroni 10:5; D&C 46:7–8 (The Holy Ghost testifies of truth)

Joseph Smith—History 1:8–20 (Joseph Smith prays to know the truth)

Boyd K. Packer, “These Things I Know,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 6–8

Neil L. Andersen, “Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 28–31

Marcos A. Aidukaitis, “If Ye Lack Wisdom,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 108–10

Video: “You Will Be Freed”

Teaching in the Savior’s way

The Savior did not give up when those He taught struggled. He continued to love and minister to them. For example, even after Peter denied Him, the Savior continued to minister to him and helped him become worthy to lead the Church. In what ways can you minister to those you teach who are struggling to live the gospel?

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Determine What to Teach

Video: “Determine What To Teach”

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Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help:

Discuss questions the youth have after learning about the Apostasy and the Restoration in their other classes. How can you help them find answers?
Show the first minute and 30 seconds of the video “You Will Be Freed.” In this portion of the video, Elder M. Russell Ballard warns about Satan’s clever ways to try to deceive us. Invite the youth to discuss what they learn about not giving in to Satan’s deceptions.

Learn together

Each of the activities below can help the youth learn how to recognize the difference between truth and error. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that will work best for your class:

Give each class member a copy of the last nine paragraphs of President Boyd K. Packer’s talk “These Things I Know.” Invite the youth to look for key words that help them recognize the difference between truth and error. Ask them to write the words they find on the board and to explain why they chose these words.
Divide the class into two groups, and give each group a copy of Elder Neil L. Andersen’s talk “Joseph Smith.” Invite one group to read the story about the forged letter that deceived some Church members. Invite the other group to read the story about the photograph of Elder Russell M. Nelson. Ask each group to share what they learn from their story about discerning between truth and error.
Ask the youth to study Joseph Smith History 1:8–20 and make a list of the steps Joseph Smith took to distinguish truth from error. How might the youth follow Joseph’s example when they want to know if something is true?
Ask the youth to search Moroni 7:12–19 for criteria they can use to discern between good and evil. Invite each youth to make a list of choices he or she is facing and to use these criteria to guide each decision. Invite them to share items from their lists if they feel comfortable doing so.
Invite the youth to imagine a situation in which they encounter information that might cause them to question their testimonies of the gospel. What can they do to discern between truth and error in such a situation? To help them find answers to this question, invite them to study the scriptures in this outline or the three steps Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis suggests in his talk “If Ye Lack Wisdom.” Ask them to share what they find. Also invite them to share experiences they have had in which they have been able to discern truth from error.

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to distinguish between truth and error? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic?

Gospel study skills

Discerning between true and false doctrine. Sometimes when we discover or learn new information insights, we can determine its truthfulness by answering questions like the following: Is this idea taught more than once in the scriptures? Do the living prophets and apostles teach it? Is it in harmony with the current practices and approved policies of the Church? Does the Spirit testify to me of its truthfulness?

Invite to act

Invite the youth to share any impressions they have had during class. What have they felt inspired to do? What can you do to encourage them to live what they have learned?