text: Who is thy Neighbor? « The Family Trifecta
  « Sleepovers – Good or Bad?
  iPhone HDR photos »
  Who here is competitive?
  Which of those things are good and which are not good to be competitive about?
  Our spirituality is not something that we can be competitive about. Nor is it something that we can compare to others.
  Why can't we compare or compete with our spirituality?
  When I think about comparing our spirituality, I think about President Benson's pride talk. One of my favorite quotes from his talk is actually from C.S. Lewis. President Benson said…
  But, Jesus' response was a little different than what the disciples expected.
  What are some qualities that we can gain learn from children?
  How can we become more submissive to the will of the Father, like a child?
  I think that there are times in our lives that it is much easier to become submissive, to be like a child. Unfortunately, most of those times are when we are going through a trial, or when we are forced to because of our circumstances.
  It is very difficult for me to be humble and ask for or accept help, even from my mom. There are times that I may really need help and other times when just a little help would make a difference. Like when my house has gotten away from me and my mom offers to help me. My answer is nearly always, "I'm a capable grown up, I should be able to figure it out and get it done." Then there are other times when I've been forced to accept help. Nearly 3 years ago this summer, I broke my foot and couldn't put weight on it for 4 months. I was so grateful that family and friends helped me and were there for me – even though I wanted to be able to do it on my own. I had to accept that I just couldn't. From that experience, I have learned that it is okay – even good to be humble and accept help.
  How can we become like a child when times are good?
  In this scripture "offend" means to "cause to stumble".
  What are some ways people cause a child to stumble?
  How does the Lord regard these offenses?
  Elder M Russell Ballard shared the following statement…
  "We hear disturbing reports of parents or guardians who are so far removed from the Spirit of Christ that they abuse children. Whether this abuse is physical, verbal, or the less evident but equally severe emotional abuse, it is an abomination and a serious offense to God" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1991, 107; or Ensign, May 1991, 80).
  How can being childlike ourselves help us care for children?
  Last week, during conference, there was an amazing talk about teaching. I would like to take a few minutes to listen to the talk. It is entitled "What manner of Men and Women ought you to be?" by Elder Lynn Robbins.
  We have all heard the advice to condemn the sin and not the sinner. Likewise, when our children misbehave, we must be careful not to say things that would cause them to believe that what they did wrong is who they are. "Never let failure progress from an action to an identity," with its attendant labels like "stupid," "slow," "lazy," or "clumsy." Our children are God's children. That is their true identity and potential. His very plan is to help His children overcome mistakes and misdeeds and to progress to become as He is. Disappointing behavior, therefore, should be considered as something temporary, not permanent—an act, not an identity.
  During family scripture time, look for and discuss examples of attributes discovered in your reading that day. Because Christlike attributes are gifts from God and cannot be developed without His help, in family and personal prayers, pray for those gifts.
  Jesus told us that we need to become as a little child. It isn't about what we "do" but what we "be".
  The other day, a girl in my daughter's gymnastics class was telling her that she wasn't very thin. My daughter came home just heart broken. The next day she and this girl were back to playing together and being the best of friends.
  Forgiveness is another trait that is very strong with children.
  What should we do if someone offends us?
  We read in in Matthew 18:21-22 just how important forgiveness is.
  Why do you think Jesus gave such a high number?
  Why is it so difficult to forgive people when they have offended or hurt you or someone you are close to?
  When have you been blessed by forgiving someone?
  What lessons can we learn by forgiving others?
  I am touched by the way Jade was able to forgive her friend and carry on as if there hadn't been any disagreement the day before. It was a simple example but one that shows the heart, humility and love of a child. The features that are so important for us to be like a child.
  Lastly, the final theme from today's lesson is the story of the good Samaritan.
  Again this is another trait of a child that we tend to lose when we become older. A child will be kind to everyone, whether they know the person or not. How often are we telling a child to not talk to strangers?
  President Howard W Hunter said,
  "We need to remember that though we make our friends, God has made our neighbors—everywhere. Love should have no boundary; we should have no narrow loyalties" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 44; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 35).
  How can we be more like a child in our relationships with others?
  Children will be friends with everyone – no matter how they are dressed, how they look, what they sound like or where they live. Little children will help bring a smile to anyone who needs one.
  What are some reasons we don't help someone?
  There are many ways that we should look to our little ones as examples of how we should be. I know that the little ones have so many of the traits that we need to work harder to make our strengths. I am grateful for the examples my little girls set for me. I pray that we can apply the words from conference, and focus on the be's more than to do's and become more like a little child.
  April 10th, 2011 | Tags: Sunday School, Sunday School Lesson | Category: Family Faith
  2 comments to Who is thy Neighbor?
  April 10, 2011 at 7:26 pm · Reply
  This is the best post I've read in a long time & almost my favorite of yours (the one about the grill house party is my favorite! http://www.thefamilytrifecta.com/2011/01/18/not-quick-but-delicious/)
  Being is harder than doing, because being requires constant attention. Being a forgiving person is something I need to be always, and forgive in the moment, not just when I get to it on my list. It's also a little harder to figure out how to be a patient person, whereas I can figure out how to fold my laundry, know what I mean?
  Thanks for a great post, it definitely has me thinking about several things. I guess first, is who do I want to be?
  Miel Abeille´s last blog post ..Dear God!
  thanks- It is definitely harder to "be" than "do". The talk I shared has me thinking a lot about it. Luckily not folding our laundry just hurts our to do list, but we can still "be" amazing – just amazing with a pile of laundry 🙂