April 21–27: “If Ye Are Not One Ye Are Not Mine”: Doctrine and Covenants 37–40
“April 21–27: ‘If Ye Are Not One Ye Are Not Mine’: Doctrine and Covenants 37–40,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 (2025)
“Doctrine and Covenants 37–40,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2025
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Saints preparing to move
Detail from Saints Move to Kirtland, by Sam Lawlor
To the early Saints, the Church was more than a place to hear some preaching on Sunday. The revelations used words like cause, kingdom, Zion, and, quite often, work. That may have been part of what attracted people to the restored Church. As much as they loved the doctrine, many also wanted something holy they could dedicate their lives to. Even so, obeying the Lord’s 1830 command to gather in Ohio was not easy. For many, it meant leaving comfortable homes for an unfamiliar frontier (see “Voices of the Restoration: Gathering to Ohio”). Today we can see clearly what those Saints could see only with the eye of faith: the Lord had great blessings waiting for them in Ohio.
The need to gather to Ohio has long since passed, but Saints today still unite around the same cause: to “bring forth Zion” (Doctrine and Covenants 39:13). Like those early Saints, we are invited to forsake “the cares of the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 40:2) and trust the Lord’s promise: “You shall receive … a blessing so great as you never have known” (Doctrine and Covenants 39:10).
Members of the Church in Fayette, New York, had to make difficult sacrifices to move to Ohio (more than 250 miles away) in the winter of 1831. As you read about the Lord’s command in Doctrine and Covenants 37:3–4, you might think about sacrifices the Lord has asked of you. Then, as you study Doctrine and Covenants 38:1–33, look for truths about the Savior that give you faith to follow His counsel. What do you learn from verses 11–33 about the blessings of gathering as followers of Jesus Christ?
When have you experienced the principle the Lord revealed in Doctrine and Covenants 38:30: “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear”? As you study section 38, notice how the Lord prepares His Saints so they can face the future with courage. How does He want you to prepare for challenges so that you don’t need to be afraid?
The Saints who gathered in Ohio came from a variety of circumstances. The same is likely true of people in your ward. But the Lord commands His people to “be one” (verse 27). How can we accomplish this kind of unity? What ideas come to mind as you read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24–27? Why do we need to be united in order to be God’s people?
Reading these verses could also inspire you to think about your relationships—for example, with family members, ward members, and quorum or class members. What might be keeping you from being united in Christ? How can the Savior help you “be one”? The videos “A Friend to All” or “Love in Our Hearts” (Gospel Library) could help you answer these questions. You might also find ideas in Elder Dale G. Renlund’s message “The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 83–85.
How could you help these groups be more unified? For example, consider sending or texting a kind note to members of your quorum, class, or family. Who do you feel inspired to reach out to?
See also Quentin L. Cook, “Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 18–21; “Love One Another,” Hymns, no. 308; Topics and Questions, “Belonging in the Church of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.
Heavenly Father wants to give me the riches of eternity.
In your opinion, what’s the difference between “the riches of the earth” and “the riches of eternity”? (Doctrine and Covenants 38:39). What experiences have taught you to value the riches of eternity?
Keep this in mind as you read about James Covel in sections 39–40 (including the historical background in the section headings). Consider how his experience might apply to you. For example, think of times when your “heart … was right before [God]” (Doctrine and Covenants 40:1). How were you blessed for your faithfulness? Also think of what “cares of the world” you face. How might they prevent you from receiving God’s word “with gladness”? (Doctrine and Covenants 39:9; 40:2). What do you find in these sections that inspires you to be more consistently obedient to God?
Applying the scriptures to your life. “One way you can help learners see the relevance of [the scriptures] is by asking questions like ‘How can this help you with something you are experiencing now?’ ‘Why is it important for you to know this?’ ‘What difference can this make in your life?’” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 23). The questions in this activity about Doctrine and Covenants 39–40 are other examples of questions that can help us apply these revelations to our lives.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
The map and the activity page at the end of this outline could help your children understand what God commanded in Doctrine and Covenants 37:3. Maybe you can help them find the places mentioned in these revelations. You could also help them find a phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 38:31–33 that describes why God wants His people to gather together.
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24–25 with your children, talk about what it means to esteem your brother or sister as yourself (see also Matthew 7:12). Help them repeat the scripture, replacing “his brother” with each other’s names.
To teach your children what it means to “be one” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27), you could help them draw a large number 1 and decorate it with names and drawings or pictures of each person in your family or class. Next to the 1, you could write things you will do to be more united.
Consider sharing an object lesson that illustrates how things can be combined or united to become one, such as pieces of cloth that make one quilt or ingredients that make one loaf of bread. What do these examples teach us about becoming one as God’s people?
As you read together Doctrine and Covenants 38:30, you and your children could talk about recent experiences that required preparation. Then you could ask your children about things Heavenly Father wants us to prepare for. Share with your children an experience in which being prepared helped you not be fearful. You could also watch together the video “Men’s Hearts Shall Fail Them” (Gospel Library).
I receive the gift of the Holy Ghost when I am confirmed.
Consider showing a picture of someone being confirmed. Ask your children to describe what’s happening in the picture. You could also invite them to point to the picture whenever they hear the words Holy Ghost in Doctrine and Covenants 39:6, 23 (or in a song like “The Holy Ghost,” Children’s Songbook, 105). Share with each other how the gift of the Holy Ghost has blessed you.
