Friendship is a Gospel Principle

 

 

Gospel Truth: “If we truly want to be tools in the hands of our Heavenly Father in bringing to pass his eternal purposes, we need only to be a friend.”

 

Scripture: John 15: 13-14  “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends.”

 

“The prophet Joseph Smith taught that ‘friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism.’ That thought ought to inspire and motivate all of us because I feel that friendship is a fundamental need in our world. I think in all of us there is a profound longing for friendship, a deep yearning for the satisfaction and security that close and lasting relationships can give. Perhaps one reason the scriptures make little specific mention of the principle of friendship is because it should manifest quite naturally as we live the gospel. In fact, if the consummate Christian attribute of charity has a first cousin, it is friendship.

“There is a particular challenge we face as Latter-Day Saints in establishing and maintaining friendships. Because our commitment to marriage, family, and the Church is so strong, we often feel challenged by constraints of time and energy in reaching out in friendship to others beyond that core group (family).”

Source- “Friendship: A Gospel Principle” May 1999 Ensign, Elder Marlen K Jensen

 

Discussion:

• How is Christ an example of friendship?


• What does a good friendship look like?


• By being a good friend, how are we becoming more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?


• How does friendship bring to pass the eternal goals of our Heavenly Father?

 

 

Challenge: We all set aside specific time, like this one, to learn something new and enrich our family members. This week, set aside time to learn something new with a friend.

 

 

 

April

Family Home Evening:                                     Jesus is my Example

John 8:12 “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Suggested Song: Teach Me to Walk in the Light (Hymn 304, CS p. 177)

What is an Example?

Play “Do as I do”. Each member of the family takes a turn as leader. The leader stands in front of the others and performs an action, like clapping, touching his nose, winking, or saying something. The rest of the group imitates his actions. Parents or the ones conducting the family home evening may want to be leader after the others have had a turn so they can introduce a few examples of reverent behavior for others to follow.

Discuss the idea of using Jesus as our example.

• Mark 10: 13-16 He loved the little children


• Mark 6: 53-56, 7:31-35 He helped the sick and those in need


• John 4: 6-10 He was kind


• John 8: 32 He taught the importance of truth

For the teenagers and adults:

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these,”

Roger sat at the dinner table, tired but happy. He had spent his entire Saturday at the university library studying for exams. His roommates had all gone out on dates or to the football game, but Roger stayed in, determined to keep his high grade point average. He had finally finished all his studies, and was beginning to prepare his Gospel Doctrine lesson about following the example of Christ for the next morning.

When the doorbell rang, Roger reacted with a frown. “Who would be coming here on a Saturday night?”

When he opened the door he found an unshaven, scraggly dressed man about forty years old. The man’s breath smelled of tobacco and liquor. “I just drove into town,” the man said, “and my car stopped right here in the middle of your street.” The man explained how he hadn't eaten all day and that his friend had a son attending the university whom he wanted to find. “Could you spare me a bite to eat, and then help me find out what’s wrong with my car? You could probably help me find my friend’s son too, couldn't you?”

Roger tried to think of an excuse. There were several other houses on the street in which families, not students, lived. They probably had more food. They probably didn't have to worry about teaching a Sunday School lessons and weren't as tired as he was tonight. Besides, this guy might even ask to stay the night. What would his roommates think if they came home to this man in their apartment?

On the other hand…Roger did know something about cars…

• What would you do if you were Roger?


• What would the Lord have you do? Why?


• Read Matthew 25: 31-46 and discuss.

 

Challenge: Find ways to care for others in the next week. Write them down and discuss them. What can we do to help those we don’t see every day? What good can we do to help those we may never meet?

LDS Dems Family Home Evening Program

LDS Dems and the Democratic Party have created a program to enrich the spiritual and political lives of members, encourage deep conversation, and invite others to participate in civic and Democratic activities. This program is based on the family home evening planning guides provided by the Church, and does not attempt to deviate, translate, or infer party politics on gospel truths.  The LDS Dems FHE program is a tool for us to open up our homes to our communities, provide answers, understanding, and opportunity to participate in the great democratic process in Utah and our country.

These guides will be monthly. Invite friends, family members and neighbors to come over for a relaxing, informative, and uplifting gospel lesson. Feel free to use these guides and adapt them as you see fit.

 

March

Family Home Evening:                   Citizenship

 

12^th Article of Faith: We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

Scriptures: Doctrine and Covenants 134; Mosiah 2:17

Gospel Truth

Being a good citizen means more than just obeying the laws of the land. It also means being actively involved in making our community the best possible place for all to live. As we become good citizens of our community, we are doing the will of Heavenly Father in that regard.

What are ways that we can become active in our community?

Have family members find examples of good citizens in the newspaper or magazines or think of someone in your city, at work, or in school who would qualify as a good citizen. Have them explain why the person they chose is a good citizen.

Challenge: List ways for each person in your family to become more active in the next month. Complete one of those suggestions as an individual or as a family.