September 11–17

2 Corinthians 1–7

“Be Ye Reconciled to God”

As you read 2 Corinthians 1–7 this week, think about specific class members—those who come to class and those who don’t. How could the principles in these chapters bless them?

Invite Sharing

Class members can benefit from hearing ideas from each other about how to make their scripture study more effective. Provide a few minutes for this from time to time.

Teach the Doctrine

2 Corinthians 1:3–7; 4:6–10, 17–18; 7:4–7

Our trials can be a blessing.

• The experiences Paul described and the counsel he gave in 2 Corinthians can help class members think about the blessings that can come from their trials. To start a discussion, you might ask a class member to come prepared to talk about how a trial blessed his or her life or what he or she learned from someone else who endured a trial. Then you could give class members a few minutes to review 2 Corinthians 1:3–7; 4:6–10, 17–18; and 7:4–7, looking for what Paul taught about the purposes and blessings of trials. Ask class members to share what they find. You might suggest that they read aloud the verse in which they found a particular teaching and then share an experience or testimony related to that teaching.

• To add to your discussion, consider singing together class members’ favorite hymns that testify of the comfort and blessings Heavenly Father and the Savior offer us in times of trial—such as “How Firm a Foundation” (Hymns, no. 85). After singing together, you might invite class members to look for a phrase in 2 Corinthians 1 and 4 that they feel fits the message of the hymn.

2 Corinthians 2:5–11

Forgiveness is a blessing we both give and receive.

• We’ve all had experiences when someone has “caused grief” for us or our family (verse 5). Perhaps class members could search 2 Corinthians 2:5–11, looking for counsel from Paul about how we should treat someone who has offended us. Consider inviting class members to review Matthew 5:43–48 and Luke 15:11–32 to learn more about how we should treat those who have offended us. How do we harm ourselves and others when we choose not to forgive?

2 Corinthians 5:14–21

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be reconciled to God.

• Many people come to church with a desire to feel closer to God, and a discussion of 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 can help them. To begin, class members could explore the meaning of the word reconcile, perhaps beginning by looking up the word in a dictionary. What insights does this provide about being reconciled with God? What additional insights do we gain from the entry “Atonement” in the Bible Dictionary? How do these insights help us understand 2 Corinthians 5:14–21? You may want to invite class members to share their feelings about the Savior, whose Atonement makes it possible for us to be reunited with God.

2 Corinthians 7:8–11

Godly sorrow leads to repentance.

• 2 Corinthians 7:8–11 gives a helpful explanation of godly sorrow and its role in repentance. What do we learn about godly sorrow from 2 Corinthians 7:8–11 and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s words in “Additional Resources”? Why is godly sorrow essential to repentance?

• You might feel impressed to encourage a broader discussion about repentance. If so, you could try something like this: Write on the board Repentance is . Ask class members to find ways to complete this phrase, using things they learn from 2 Corinthians 7:8–11, as well as from the scriptures and other resources found in the Gospel Topics article “Repentance” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How might we use these teachings to help someone understand how to sincerely repent?

Additional Resources

Godly sorrow inspires change and hope.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained:

“Godly sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Worldly sorrow pulls us down, extinguishes hope, and persuades us to give in to further temptation.

“Godly sorrow leads to conversion and a change of heart. It causes us to hate sin and love goodness. It encourages us to stand up and walk in the light of Christ’s love. True repentance is about transformation, not torture or torment” (“You Can Do It Now!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 56).

Improving Our Teaching

Include those who are struggling. Sometimes struggling class members just need to be included to feel loved. Consider giving them an assignment to participate in an upcoming lesson. Don’t give up if they don’t respond to your efforts at first. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 8–9.)