YOUTH CAN TEACH
Let your light so shine! BECOME A PEACEMAKER (Youth Goal Planner)
HOW CAN I BRING PEACE TO MYSELF AND OTHERS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH with this YOUTH GOAL PLANNER to help youth define peacemaking. Encourage Peacemaking: (1) Help them find five scriptures about peacemakers. (2) Challenge them to be a peacemaker at home by not criticizing others, complaining, or speaking unkindly to or about others. (3) Encourage prayer daily for two weeks to learn peacemaking.
There is a lot of STUFF that goes on inside of us as we try to make peace in difficult situations. We all want peace. The Savior urged us to be peacemakers and was the perfect example of peace.
WHAT DO YOU LEARN AS YOU STRIVE TO BE A PEACEMAKER?
See Anatomy of a Peacemaker (HERE) by David A. Edwards. He said, “Most people want peace—for themselves, their homes, their communities, and the world.
The Savior taught us that it starts with us. He urged us to be peacemakers (see Matthew 5:9). And President Russell M. Nelson has urged us to ‘end conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life’ (“The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Apr. 2022 general conference [Liahona, May 2022, 97]).
So, what happens when you disagree with someone about something important to you? How do you keep peace while defending a firmly held opinion or standing up for a gospel principle like staying sexually pure or not cheating in school?”
Read further … (the article suggests): Listening, Self-Awareness, Empathy, Knowledge, Persuasion, Patience, Wisdom, Humility, Faith, and Love.
WAYS TO LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE:
• Memorize Matthew 5:14-16 to keep it in mind daily. “Ye are the light of the world. … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
• Be a positive example so you can be a reflection of Jesus, following His words and actions. It’s not easy to follow a perfect example; yet the more we learn about and love our Savior, the more we want to mirror His image and countenance. Alma 5:14, 19: Alma asks, “Have ye received his image in your countenances?” and “have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?”.
• Reach Out. Youth can seek ways to serve those in need by being a friend. This opens the door to uplift and encourage as youth ask questions. As they chat, they can discover needs and learn ways to help.
• Live with integrity by aligning your actions with your values. Your honesty and sincerity will SHINE through.
• Respectfully share your beliefs and experiences without imposing your personal views on others.
• Smile and offer friendship in your daily interactions.
• Patience and Forgiveness. YOUR OWN CONVERSION is enhanced as you are patient and forgiving with others.
• Testify boldly even when it is unpopular.
• Compassion. As you softly share your light of compassion and empathy to others they will naturally feel the warmth of your love.
• Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
• A Peacemaker is not passive; they can be a persuasive example of our Savior.
• A Peacemaker:
-Lifts, encourages, and inspires others, even when it is difficult.
-Helps to resolve differences with respect and dignity, while avoiding contention.
-Is an example of Christlike forgiveness and strives to let go of anger.
-Loves and serves their neighbors, regardless of differences in belief.
-Strives to overcome arrogance, pride, and other negative emotions.
-Prays for help in restoring peace and finding common ground.
• As disciples of Christ we believe that by striving to live gospel principles, follow Christ’s example, and actively seek to create peace in our homes, communities, and the world, OUR LIGHT WILL SHINE BRIGHT and we will truly be His peacemakers.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE ACTIVITIES #1-4 (with the matching Mutual Night ACTIVITIES #1-4 below)
MUTUAL NIGHT ACTIVITIES:
See #1 activity (above) _______________________
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE CEREMONY. Have the youth choose 1-5 birthday cake candles. Then have them express 1-5 ways someone has lit up their life through service, or they would like to be served. Then light the candle(s). A whole cake could be placed in the center of a table that the youth could walk around as they light their candles (outdoors only*) and tell how you can let your light shine. Talk about the scripture in Matthew 5:16 (above) and give each a card to take home. Youth can repeat the scripture. Then, all blow out the candles.
*Note: Open flames and lighted candles may not be used in Church buildings.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE CAKE. Youth can remove the candles and enjoy the cake with ice cream.
See #2 activity (above) _______________________
HEART ATTACK: Surprise someone with a large cookie or box of candy that reads, “Heart Attack!” Attach several notes with heart stickers or heart-shaped cards, writing encouraging messages. Have the youth and leaders (and the bishopric leaders) write notes and sign them. Ring the doorbell and run, or stay and visit. Contact the youth leaders, or Relief Society compassionate service leader, the bishop, or community representatives to find those who need a boost.
GUEST SPEAKER: Have someone who has a disability come and tell about their life. Youth could visit them in their home if invited. Speakers could tell how they get along, how they would like to be treated, and what they are planning for their lives (dreams for the future).
QUOTE TO PONDER: “I hope that we welcome and love all of God’s children, including those who might dress, look, speak, or just do things differently.” —President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
See #3 activity (above) _______________________
PEACEMAKER PEBBLE: Give each youth a pebble with the following note and challenge them to be a peacemaker, helping their entire family to feel peace when they are around.
PEBBLE PROMISE: This week, I will look at this pebble and remember to be a peacemaker. When a pebble is tossed into a pool of water, it creates a ripple, making larger and larger circles, showing how this one pebble’s influence is widespread. My one action of being a peacemaker can affect my entire family. I will be a peacemaker.
See #4 activity (above) _______________________
“MIRROR TELL ME TRUE” Small Acts of Kindness Brainstorm.
Brainstorm and write down, to preserve in a file for each youth, a list of small acts of kindness they can do for others. Encourage them to look into the mirror and say, “Mirror, mirror, tell me true. Is His image in my countenance too?” As they say this, they can look at the list and perform small acts of kindness.
Ideas: • A sweet anonymous note • A phone call to someone less active • A friendly touch • A smile • Breakfast in bed for a family member • A compliment • Find out someone’s favorite goody, make it for them, and deliver with a smile
