September 10

How Can I Find Comfort in Jesus Christ When a Loved One Dies?

1 Corinthians 14–16

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, 10.2, 11.2). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. How can turning to the Lord help us deal with challenges and trials?

• Care for those in need. Who do we know who needs our prayers and our friendship?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. What plans to share the gospel have been discussed in ward youth council meetings? How can our class or quorum get involved?

• Unite families for eternity. How can doing family history work strengthen our relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus?

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.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

When someone we care about dies, it can be devastating. Separation from our loved one brings feelings of profound grief and sadness. But Paul taught that ultimately “death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54) because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In other words, the “sting of death”—the pain and hopelessness we feel in mortality—“is swallowed up in Christ” (Mosiah 16:7–8; see also 1 Corinthians 15:54–57).

At some point, everyone will experience the death of a loved one. How will you help those you teach find comfort during those difficult times through their faith in Jesus Christ? Think about this question as you prepare to teach by reading 1 Corinthians 15, Mosiah 16:7–9, and Doctrine and Covenants 42:44–46.

Learn Together

You might invite class or quorum members to share when they have felt something that stings. You could then ask them why they think Paul used the word “sting” to describe death (see 1 Corinthians 15:54–56). Give them a few minutes to review 1 Corinthians 15 and share truths they find about how the sting of death is overcome. Then consider activities like those below to help the youth better understand how the Savior can comfort us when someone we care about dies.

• You might divide class or quorum members into pairs and ask each pair to review together some of the scripture passages in “Supporting Resources.” They could write answers to a question like “What important truths do I hope to remember when I lose a loved one?” Ask them to include information from the scripture passages in their answer. Then invite them to share with the class the truths that are most meaningful to them and why.

• Consider reviewing together an account from a general conference message showing how a person found hope in Jesus Christ when someone they cared about died. Examples include Sister Reyna I. Aburto’s message “The Grave Has No Victory” (Liahona, May 2021, 85–86) or Elder S. Mark Palmer’s message “Our Sorrow Shall Be Turned into Joy” (Liahona, May 2021, 88–89). You may be impressed to share your own experience or to invite the youth to share how they found comfort and hope in Jesus Christ after a loved one died.

• After considering the needs of members of your class or quorum, show one or more of the videos in “Supporting Resources.” Invite the youth to share their impressions. How does knowing that Jesus Christ was resurrected affect how we view death? Invite members of your class or quorum to share their testimonies about the Savior and His Resurrection and how this knowledge brings them hope.

• John 11 describes the Savior’s experience with the death of a loved one—His friend Lazarus. Perhaps the class or quorum could read verses 1–45 together, and as they read, they could share things they learn from the Savior’s example. What can we learn from this account that can give us comfort when someone we care about dies? How can we follow the Savior’s example of “mourn[ing] with those that mourn … and comfort[ing] those that stand in need of comfort”? (Mosiah 18:9). What do we learn from Doctrine and Covenants 42:45–46 that can help us do this? You may want to show the video “One-on-One (Ministering with Love)” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

  One-on-One (Ministering with Love)

  Troy and Deedra Russell were devastated after the death of their son. Their story shows how one person can make a difference during the grieving process.

Our testimonies of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection give us hope when a loved one dies.

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

• Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:20–22; Mosiah 16:7–9; Alma 7:11–12; 11:42–44; 22:14; 28:12–14; 40:11–12

• Dallin H. Oaks, “What Has Our Savior Done for Us?,” Liahona, May 2021, 75–77

• Moisés Villanueva, “Favored of the Lord in All My Days,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 44–46

• Videos: “Dealing with Death: Sunday Will Come,” “Finding Hope through the Resurrection of Christ,” “He Will Give You Help,” “Until We Meet Again” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

  Dealing with Death: Sunday Will Come | Hope Works

  Jennie knows personal tragedy. Three deaths—her father, her brother-in-law, and her husband—plunged her into tormenting grief. Three words strengthened her: “Sunday will come.”

  Finding Hope Through the Resurrection of Christ

  Jesus Christ is central to our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. Through our Savior’s atonement and resurrection, He made it possible for us to live again with our loved ones for eternity.

  He Will Give You Help

  Faced with great pain and loss, a teen and his friends in Canada turn to God to find answers to their souls’ deepest questions. 

  Until We Meet Again

  Thomas S. Monson, prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ, shares the touching story of a mother who lost her son at war but learned that he would live again because of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

Teaching involves ministering with love and helping others receive the blessings of the gospel, and this help is often exactly what a less-active class member needs. We all need to work together to reach out to those who struggle, and as a teacher you may be in a unique position to help.