Lesson for November 22, 2015

Lesson for November 22, 2015 Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp on Chapter 22 Carrying the Gospel into the World and Chapter 23 Strengthen Thy Stakes. What are we thankful for in relation to the gospel: Our ward family, the Atonement, the power of prayer, easy access to temples. How can we reach out to others who are not of our faith and also how can we help those others who are in our own ward and stake? President Benson and all his siblings went on missions and his father was sent on a mission when the children were young. In the introduction to Chapter 22 says that President Benson had a love for all the people of the world. We all share the responsibility to share the gospel and help others. Sometimes we just need to stretch ourselves. Visiting teaching is a form of missionary work. Service, such as Helping Hands, and teaching English helps put the Church in the view of people, so they are aware that this is who we are—the exposure is good. Identifying ourselves as Christians. Finding the commonalities and asking people what they believe and being who we are—be authentic as believers. Being kind to people can also go a long way. Preparing ourselves for missionary experiences will give us the confidence and knowledge to share our beliefs. Only the gospel will bring salvation to the world and save it from its own self-destruction. Just speaking up can open up conversations. Let the Holy Ghost guide us to know when to speak up. We should love the people. We should be humble. We should have the Spirit with us. If we do that, we will look different from others and people will notice. Serving others in our ward and community will benefit and unify those who are members in those units. Stakes are a refuge for those who are suffering and needing strength and comfort. Being a good neighbor and being friendly and happy can be an influence. We can be uplifted by lifting others up. It opens us up to the blessings and opportunities that will enrich ourselves. Receiving help from others who are loving and concerned can help open hearts. Getting to know others can help us know what is needed. There is a lot we can do in our communities, such as helping with reading at a school or in the arts or giving blood and helping with taking meals to others. President Benson said we will never be effective if until we learn to have sympathy for all of God’s children and sympathize with them. Then we may receive help from them. Having an attitude of kindness and service can help others to view us as a kind person they can relate to and rely on.