Counsel Together and Share Experiences

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“Sharing experiences is a gift of spirit and a gift of truth, where young women grow in understanding ‘and [all] are edified and rejoice together’ (D&C 50:22).” Carol F. McConkie, “Encourage Young Women to Share ‘a Gift of the Heart,’” Dec. 15, 2017, news.lds.org

Members of the Lord’s Church have covenanted to bear testimony of Jesus Christ and the principles of His gospel. Young women have received the Holy Ghost, which gives them power to speak and declare the things they have seen and heard. They have the capability within them to be “witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that they may be in” (Mosiah 18:9).

As young women learn and discuss gospel principles together, the Spirit of the Lord can speak to their minds and hearts. They exercise faith when they make a commitment to act on what they have heard and felt. As they put gospel principles into practice in their lives, they begin to have experiences and gain insights and understanding that they can share with one another.

One teacher shared, “Typically, [sharing] experiences they’ve had that week in trying to obey and learn the doctrine brings the Spirit quicker than anything else that we could do because they’re testifying of ‘I’ve done this this week, this is how I’ve acted, and this is how my life has changed because of it’” (“Teaching the Gospel in the Savior’s Way” [video]).

Young women may share their efforts to act on the previous week’s lesson, the month’s topic, or another gospel principle and what more they hope to learn and do. They may also counsel together about the needs of the members of their class or responsibilities and assignments they have been given.

“Counsel Together and Share Experiences” is most effective when led by a member of the class presidency who begins by sharing her own experiences and encourages others to share. As she and other class members share, they bear testimony and invite the Spirit. As the young woman who speaks and those who listen feel the Spirit and grow in love and unity one with another, they share testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Read and Discuss:

1 Peter 3:15; Doctrine and Covenants 14:8; Doctrine and Covenants 84:60–61

Counsel Together:

  • Why is it important that a young woman learn to articulate her feelings and experiences about living the gospel?
  • How can we help those who are shy or reluctant to feel safe in sharing?
  • What will we do to make the “share experiences” portion of class a chance to encourage young women to live the gospel principles they are learning?

Additional Resources