In Doctrine and Covenants 42, the Lord fulfilled His promise to the Saints that He would give them His law after they moved to Ohio. He set forth general laws of conduct for members of the Church. This lesson will help students show their love for the Lord by obeying His commandments.
Possible Learning Activities
Two different perspectives
From what you see in the world today, why do you think we need commandments from God?
As you study today, seek the Holy Ghost’s guidance to help you better understand why the Lord gives commandments and how you can continue, or even improve, your obedience.
The Lord’s law
The Lord promised the Saints that He would give them His law as they gathered to Ohio (see Doctrine and Covenants 38:32). Shortly after arriving in Ohio, the Prophet Joseph Smith and 12 elders united their faith in earnest prayer (Doctrine and Covenants 41:3) and asked the Lord to reveal His law.
According to verse 29, why should we keep the Lord’s commandments?
For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices teaches:
To help you make good choices, God gives commandments. He does this because He loves you. And the best reason to obey God’s commandments is because you love Him. Love is at the heart of God’s commandments. (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices [2022], 11)
How are God’s commandments a manifestation of His love?
How does our obedience to God’s commandments show Him we love Him?
His commandments
Select one commandment from section 42 that you would like to learn more about or ponder.
As you study, prepare to share the following about the commandment you have chosen. You may want to write your thoughts in your study journal.
Other scripture verses, general conference statements, or For the Strength of Youth (booklet) passages that deepen your understanding of this commandment
Reasons you think a loving and all-knowing Heavenly Father would give us this commandment
How you think keeping this commandment helps us follow the Savior, show our love to Him, and become more like Him
Experiences you have had keeping this commandment (optional; share only if they are not too sacred or personal)
My obedience to God’s commandments
Remembering what you have learned and felt in this lesson, pick a commandment that you feel the Lord would want you to focus on. Respond to the following questions in your study journal:
How can obedience to this commandment bless my life?
How does this commandment help me show my love to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and follow Them?
What is one specific thing I would like to do to show my love to the Lord and keep this commandment?