HEAVEN ON EARTH
Gospel Principles
By trying and applying these (HAPPY LIFE) principles you can soar high here and in the hereafter.
Follow the BALLOONS to a Better Life
. . . YOUTH CAN TEACH . . .
Let’s begin with this Gospel Principles Goal Planner.
It lists these principles and gives us simple ways to apply them.
We’ll start with the first two principles, then go through each one (THAT FOLLOW) and learn how they can help us face our daily challenges and grow closer to Jesus Christ.
This UNDERSTAND A GOSPEL PRINCIPLE Youth Goal Planner will help youth make life important decisions.
NOTE. All but the star (*) principles are listed on the planner: Gratitude, Honesty, Sabbath Day, Repentance, Tithing, Fasting, Forgiveness, *Charity, Gift of the Holy Ghost, *Gift of Tongues, *Faith, Love, Word of Wisdom, Service, Obedience, *Work, Baptism, Kindness
As follows, we will SPOTLIGHT each of these GOSPEL PRINCIPLES with a matching activity to help children and youth live that gospel principle. This way we keep HEAVEN IN SIGHT.
Gratitude is first, then Honesty, and more (as shown above).
GOSPEL PRINCIPLES CONTENTS:
Gratitude, Honesty, Sabbath Day, Repentance, Tithing, Fasting, Forgiveness, *Charity, Gift of the Holy Ghost, *Gift of Tongues, *Faith, Love, Word of Wisdom, Service, Obedience, *Work, Baptism, Kindness
– *STAR principles are not in the planner above; yet featured below ⇓
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
GRATITUDE
Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
GRATITUDE GOSPEL PRINCIPLE is the feeling of being thankful and appreciating the good things in your life—whether they come from people, experiences, nature, or circumstances.
For example:
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Being grateful for a friend who supports you.
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Appreciating your health, family, or home.
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Saying “thank you” when someone helps you.
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Recognizing small joys, like a beautiful morning or a good meal.
In simple words: Gratitude means noticing what is good and appreciating it.
Grateful Heart bookmark and gratitude card. With this “Happiness is a grateful heart!” bookmark youth can be reminded to express gratitude, to give thanks. With this star stationery/card youth can write a note of thanks for sending to parents or a relative, a friend, or a leader to express their gratitude.
COUNT BLESSINGS: Also, use the card to write things you are grateful for (if sending it to a person; note why you are grateful for them) / (if sending it to yourself, note your blessings). Bookmark can be included with the card as a bonus reminder of your gratitude.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
HONESTY
Proverbs 12:22 “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
HONESTY GOSPEL PRINCIPLE means:
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Telling the truth, even when it is difficult.
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Admitting when you made a mistake.
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Being truthful about your intentions and actions.
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Not hiding important facts to create a false impression.
Honesty can bring many blessings into your life:
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Peace of mind — you don’t have to keep track of lies or hide who you are.
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Trust — people are more likely to trust and respect you.
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Stronger relationships — honesty creates deeper, more genuine connections.
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Self-respect — you can feel confident knowing you’re living according to your values.
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Growth — honesty helps you recognize mistakes and learn from them.
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Integrity — your words and actions become consistent, building strong character.
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Better decisions — facing reality honestly helps you make wiser choices.
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Spiritual peace — truthfulness is connected with righteousness and closeness to God.
POST-AND-PRESENT ACTIVITY.DOT-TO-DOT HONEST-OR-NOT GAME. Youth can be honest every day in every way as they learn the difference between an honest and dishonest choice in each situation.
TO PLAY: Basically, players choose a LARGE (situation) dot and match it with a SMALL (choice) dot “A” or “B” and decide if the choice is HONEST-OR-NOT. Then spin for points. Detailed instructions are found in the pdf.
LANGUAGES: Printable in English, Spanish, and French.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
SABBATH DAY
Exodus 20:8-10 “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work …”
SABBATH DAY GOSPEL PRINCIPLE teaches core truths about God, Jesus Christ, faith, and our relationship with Him.
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It points to Christ: The Sabbath is a weekly opportunity to turn our attention away from ordinary work and toward the Savior and His gospel.
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It is a covenant sign: In Scripture, keeping the Sabbath is associated with remembering God and maintaining a covenant relationship with Him (Exodus 31:13–17).
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It provides worship and renewal: The day is set apart for worship, prayer, scripture study, service, family, and spiritual strengthening.
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It looks forward to eternal rest: Hebrews 4 connects the idea of Sabbath rest with entering into God’s rest through faith.
In short, the SABBATH is not merely a rule about which day to keep; it is a gospel practice that helps us remember Christ, rely on Him, worship God, and receive spiritual renewal.
YOUTH LESSON ACTIVITY. SABBATH DAY ACTIVITIES advent calendar. Youth can tear off 14 Sunday activities to do to keep the Sabbath holy. Examples: Give a family home evening lesson, Visit an older member in the ward, and Write a letter to a missionary. Also, encourage them when they are done to make more word strips to attach and do.
ACTIVITY: Sabbath Day Activity Advent Calendar
Challenge the youth to try these 14 activities on the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.
Read instructions on the calendar, “Try an activity and tear off the word-strip below. Then enjoy a treat in the bag* and say, ‘It’s sweet to honor the Sabbath day!’” (See Candy Treat below). Each Sunday you might ask children to share their experiences with the activities.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
REPENTANCE
Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with a willing spirit.”
REPENTANCE GOSPEL PRINCIPLE is turning away from sin and turning toward God through faith in Jesus Christ.
In Christian teaching, repentance involves:
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Recognizing that we have sinned.
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Feeling genuine sorrow over sin.
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Confessing sin to God and, when appropriate, others.
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Turning away from sinful behavior.
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Trusting Christ for forgiveness and transformation.
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Continuing to follow God in a changed way of life.
A key biblical summary is: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19, KJV).
In short: repentance is a change of heart and direction that turns us toward God through Christ.
YOUTH LESSON ACTIVITY. JOYFUL SOUL D&C 18:13 tent-card challenge journal. Youth can memorize “And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!” and write how they will change their thoughts and actions on the card.
1. On the back of the tent-card, write things you want to change in your thoughts and actions on tent-card.
2. Talk of great men and women who repented and found joy, like Alma the Younger. Alma and the sons of Mosiah were promised eternal life (Mosiah 28:1-9).
3. Talk about the repentance process we must go through, as Alma the Younger did (Alma 36:16-21).
4. Talk about people in our personal lives who have made spiritual changes.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
TITHING
Malachi 3:10 (KJV) “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts…”
TITHING Gospel Principle teaches several core principles of Christian discipleship:
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Putting God first: Giving a tenth acknowledges that everything we have ultimately comes from God.
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Faith and trust: Tithing requires trusting God to provide for our needs rather than relying entirely on our possessions.
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Obedience: Scripture presents “giving” as an act of willing obedience and worship.
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Gratitude: Giving recognizes God’s blessings and expresses thankfulness.
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Love and service: Tithes can support the work of the Church and its ministry to others.
In the Bible, Abraham gave a tenth (Genesis 14:20), and Jesus affirmed the importance of faithful giving while emphasizing justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). The deeper gospel principle is not merely the percentage—it is putting God first and using what we have to serve His purposes.
POST-AND-PRESENT ACTIVITY. TITHING TALES “EGGS AND COINS” stories and discussion. Youth will learn about “tithing eggs” and potatoes that earned money where 10% was paid for tithing. This boy was a future Prophet.
The activity illustrates the story cards that note how TITHING HELPS: spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, brings families together through family history, provides teaching materials, and builds churches and temples.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
FASTING
Esther 4:16 — Esther called for a three-day fast before approaching the king.
FASTING Gospel Principle as told in the scriptures as a way of humbling ourselves before God, seeking Him, and expressing dependence on Him.
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Jesus taught and practiced fasting — Matthew 4:2; Matthew 6:16–18.
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It helps us draw closer to God by setting aside physical desires to focus on spiritual ones.
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It expresses repentance and humility — Joel 2:12–13.
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It accompanies prayer and seeking God’s direction — Acts 13:2–3.
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It strengthens spiritual dependence, reminding us that “man shall not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4).
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It is not meant to earn salvation. Salvation comes through God’s grace and faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9); fasting is a spiritual practice that helps us seek God.
In short: Fasting does not change God to make Him respond to us; it changes our hearts as we intentionally turn our attention toward God.
YOUTH ACTIVITY. FASTING AND PRAYER BLESSINGS puzzle. Youth can invite discussion as they put together this almost eatable puzzle full of food items that tell reasons why it is important to fast. For example, Help us gain a testimony. Make important decisions. Help our loved ones recover from illness or injury.
STATEMENTS (on the puzzle) about fasting on the food (not eaten during the fast) shown: (apple) To help us make important decisions; (banana) To receive protection from evil; (pizza) To help our loved ones recover from an illness or injury; (strawberry) To help us feel the spirit; (cucumber) To help others be willing to hear the gospel; (pear) To help us gain a testimony; (carrot) To receive relief in times of natural disasters and droughts; (hotdog) To receive comfort when we mourn; (doughnut) To prepare us to receive special blessings; (bread) To help us understand or accomplish a difficult assignment); (egg) To help us overcome sin; (orange) To show gratitude for our blessings; and (lemon) To help us solve problems
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
FORGIVENESS
Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
FORGIVENESS Gospel Principle teaches us that God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and those who receive His mercy are called to extend that mercy to others.
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God forgives us: Through Christ’s atonement, we can repent and receive forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9).
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We are commanded to forgive: Jesus taught His followers to forgive others, even when they have wronged us (Matthew 6:14–15; Matthew 18:21–22).
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We forgive because we have been forgiven: Ephesians 4:32 connects Christian forgiveness directly to God’s forgiveness of us.
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Forgiveness reflects Christ: Choosing forgiveness demonstrates Christlike love, humility, and mercy.
In short, the gospel is centered on God’s mercy toward sinners, and forgiveness is one way believers embody that same mercy toward others.
LESSON LIFESAVER ACTIVITY. FEELINGS OF FORGIVENESS filling-in-the-face doorknob hanger. This mind switch sign can motivate youth to forgive as the positive feelings of peaceful, happy, loving, and friendly come. When they don’t forgive they feel: angry, jealous, unhappy, and critical. It’s a daily choice to make.
Story: Malcolm Tent put a rock in his pocket whenever someone upset or annoyed him. The rocks reminded him to stay angry, and soon they filled his house and took over his life. The story teaches that holding onto anger can weigh us down. Instead, we should talk about our feelings, forgive others, and forgive ourselves for our own mistakes.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
CHARITY
“Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” — Colossians 3:14 (KJV)
CHARITY Gospel Principle reflects God’s love and the way He asks us to treat others.
In Christian teaching, charity means more than giving money—it is selfless love, compassion, service, and a genuine desire for another person’s good. The Bible teaches that “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and Jesus taught His followers to love God and their neighbors (Matthew 22:37–39).
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, charity is described as “the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47). It is a gospel principle because it helps us become more like Jesus Christ through serving, forgiving, caring for, and loving others.
STORY. The Little Act of Kindness
One day, a boy named Sam saw a poor child sitting outside a shop. The child looked hungry and sad.
Sam had a sandwich in his bag. He shared it with the child and gave him some water.
The child smiled and said, “Thank you!”
Sam felt happy. He learned that even a small act of charity can make someone’s day better.
POSTER ACTIVITY. HONORABLE FAMILY FOOD STORAGE match. Youth can pretend they are an item in the cupboard pantry. What would they be and what would they do to honor their family to make it a happy home? For example, “Tommy Tomato helped his brother study …” (match #1) “and catch up on his homework” (match #2).
Examples of HONORABLE FAMILY FOOD STORAGE items to match and place in cupboards.
• Tommy Tomato helped his brother study … and “ketchup” on his homework.
• Susie Sugar was sweet on family prayer … and gathered her family each night to pray.
• Candi Corn perked up her ears … as she listened to and obeyed her mother.
• Meg Nutmeg liked to hear laughter in the home … so she made up fun games to spice things up.
SEE MORE (in the cupboard) . . .
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST
“Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost… therefore glorify God in your body.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (KJV)
The GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST is a GOSPEL PRINCIPLE because He is a gift from God that helps people recognize truth, make righteous choices, and grow closer to Jesus Christ.
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Holy Ghost:
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Testifies of truth, especially of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
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Guides and warns us as we make decisions.
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Comforts and strengthens us during difficult times.
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Sanctifies us as we repent and strive to follow the Savior.
So, the principle is essentially: God communicates with and guides His children through the Holy Ghost when they seek Him and live worthy of His influence.
CHILDREN’S LESSON ACTIVITY. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST gift package. Children can show and tell about this gift they can receive after they are baptized. They can place the images in the pocket and a “comfort” cloth. On the back they learn: The Holy Ghost will: 1. Help me know what is right. 2. Help me know that Jesus and Heavenly Father are real. 3. Give me comfort and help.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
GIFT OF TONGUES
1 Corinthians 12:10 (KJV) “To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.”
GIFT OF TONGUES Gospel Principle teaches faith in God, reliance on the Holy Ghost, and using spiritual gifts to bless and communicate with others.
In the New Testament, Paul teaches that spiritual gifts—including tongues—are given by the Holy Ghost for the benefit of God’s children (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). At Pentecost, the gift of tongues helped people from different nations hear the gospel in their own languages (Acts 2:1–11).
So the principle is not simply speaking another language. It is receiving and using a spiritual gift through faith and the Holy Ghost to help accomplish God’s work and bless others.
SCRIPTURE POSTER/CARD SET. Articles of Faith 1:7 – Spiritual Gifts – Gifts of the Spirit Objective: Help children/youth memorize Articles of Faith 1:7: “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.”
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
FAITH
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)
FAITH, Gospel Principle means trusting in Jesus Christ and acting on that trust, even when we cannot see the outcome.
In the gospel, faith:
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Helps us believe in God and His promises.
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Leads us to act, such as praying, repenting, and keeping commandments.
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Gives us hope and strength during trials.
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Helps us develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as confidence in things hoped for and assurance of things not seen. In other words, faith is not just believing something—it is trusting God enough to live according to that belief.
POST-AND-PRESENT ACTIVITY. MY TESTIMONY OF JESUS weak or strong plant builder. Youth can learn ways to grow a strong testimony by gathering leaves (actions) and placing them under the matching STRONG or WEAK plant.
Tell children/youth that Jesus Christ watches over us. He wants us to have faith in Him and choose the right to make our testimony in Him strong so we can be happy. View the happy and sad faces on the strong and weak plants.
ACTIVITY. Take turns gathering leaves that will show ways to make your testimony strong, and place them on the smiling “My Testimony of Jesus Grows STRONG” plant. Watch out! Some of these actions will make your testimony WEAK, making you sad. Place these on the “My Testimony of Jesus Grows WEAK” plant.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
LOVE
John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
LOVE is a Gospel Principle because Jesus Christ taught that loving God and loving others are central to living the gospel.
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Love God: Jesus taught, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart” (Matthew 22:37).
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Love others: He also taught, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).
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Christ is the example: Jesus showed love through serving, forgiving, healing, and sacrificing for others.
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Love motivates obedience: When we genuinely love God and others, we naturally want to follow Christ’s teachings and help those around us.
In short, love is a gospel principle because it is at the heart of how God wants us to treat Him and one another.
YOUTH GOAL ACTIVITY. SOAR HIGH! Communication Balloon Bouquet. Youth can learn these eight ways to communicate with family and friends by discussing and roleplaying each.
Watch as the relationships improve with each balloon strategy, e.g., “Be a good listener” can open the door to communication. Perhaps each youth could take one and present it to the group (or present this to their family).
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
WORD OF WISDOM
1 Corinthians 3:16 (KJV) “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
WORD OF WISDOM
The Word of Wisdom is considered a gospel principle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because it teaches principles of self-discipline, caring for the body, spiritual strength, and obedience to God.
It is found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. It teaches members to avoid harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea, while encouraging wholesome foods and moderation.
The deeper gospel principle is that our bodies are gifts from God, and how we care for them can affect our spiritual and temporal well-being. It also provides an opportunity to practice faith and obedience to God’s commandments.
In short: The Word of Wisdom is more than a list of things to avoid—it teaches stewardship over our bodies and obedience to God.
ACTIVITY:
1. Talk about the objective above. Tell youth about the game pieces: The “X” pieces tell why our body is a temple and why we are “X”-tra special. The “O” pieces tell what we can do to care for our special body.
2. To play the My Special Body Tic-Tac-Toe game, divide youth into two groups to take turns drawing an X or an O for their team and placing it on the game board. Players alternate, placing Xs for one team and Os for the other team. Play until team players place three Xs or Os in a row to win (vertically, diagonally, or horizontally).
3. With each play, have youth read their X or O game piece.
4. Keep all Xs and the Os that are drawn from the container until they are all drawn, then replace them in the container to draw from again.
5. If all squares are filled before a team wins, have someone say, “My body is a temple.”
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
SERVICE
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
— Matthew 6:3–4 (NIV)
SERVICE is a gospel principle because Jesus Christ taught and demonstrated that we should love and help others.
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Jesus served others: He healed the sick, comforted people, fed the hungry, and ultimately gave His life for us.
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Service shows love: Helping others is one way we follow the commandment to “love one another.”
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Service helps us become like Christ: It develops humility, compassion, patience, and selflessness.
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Service strengthens communities: When we serve, we help meet others’ needs and build unity.
In short, service is a gospel principle because it is a way of following Jesus Christ’s example of loving and blessing others.
AGES 4-7 ACTIVITY. SECRET SERVICE Because you’re worth it! necklace with giveaway hearts. Children can secretly do a service for a loved one and secretly place a heart (taken from the necklace) for that person where the service took place. Make plenty of these to help them keep the service going. Encourage them to wear the hearts inside their shirt when the service is being done to keep it a SECRET.
3 NECKLACE HEARTS (two sets per page) READ:
SECRET SERVICE . . . to know I care!
SECRET SERVICE . . . because I love you!
SECRET SERVICE . . . because you’re worth it!
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
OBEDIENCE
“The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.”
— Psalm 121:7 (KJV)
OBEDIENCE is a gospel principle because the gospel teaches us to trust Jesus Christ and follow His teachings. We are not saved because we are perfect at obeying; rather, our obedience is a response to His love and grace.
Obedience also helps keep us safe because God’s commandments are meant to protect us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. When we follow His guidance, we can avoid harmful choices, recognize danger, and stay closer to Him.
In simple terms: Faith leads us to trust God, and trust leads us to obey. Obedience brings protection, guidance, and peace.
POST-AND-PRESENT ACTIVITY. KEEP INSIDE THE FENCE Commandments Keep us Safe quiz. The prophet today leads us to keep God’s commandments. They tell us how to be safe from spiritual and physical dangers. Like the sheep inside the fence, we can be safe from the dangerous wolves, rocks, rivers, and pits. If we sin we can repent and go back inside the fence by keeping the commandments and being safe.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
WORK
Doctrine & Covenants 4:2 “Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength…”
WORK is a gospel principle because God teaches us to use our time, talents, strength, and resources to bless ourselves, our families, and others. Work helps us become responsible, develop our abilities, provide for our needs, and serve God by serving His children.
In the gospel, work is more than earning money—it is a way to show faith, develop Christlike qualities, and contribute to God’s purposes. When we use our talents and means to help others, our work becomes a form of service to God.
WAYS TO WORK/SERVE:
• TIME: Supporting parents in their Church callings, babysitting while their parents attend the temple, working on a Church welfare project, and visiting someone who is lonely
• TALENTS: Speaking in Primary or sacrament meeting, playing a musical instrument or singing in Primary or sacrament meeting, and making decorations for a Church activity
• MEANS: Tithing, fast offerings, missionary fund donations and food and clothing given to the poor
YOUTH GOAL ACTIVITY. LAW OF CONSECRATION checkbook. Youth can learn to live the Law of Consecration with this checkbook to write in ways to give of your TIME, TALENTS, and MEANS to build up the kingdom of God on the earth.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
BAPTISM
Matthew 3:16 “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water…” This indicates Jesus entered the water and then came up out of it.
BAPTISM is a gospel principle because Jesus taught and modeled it as an important step of discipleship.
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Jesus was baptized Himself by John, showing His willingness to obey God and identify with His Father’s will (Matthew 3:13–17).
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He commanded His followers to be baptized as part of becoming His disciples (Matthew 28:19–20).
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Baptism symbolizes repentance and a new life—leaving an old way of living behind and choosing to follow Christ (Romans 6:3–4).
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It is an outward expression of faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to follow Him.
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It points to the gospel itself: Christ died, was buried, and rose again; baptism pictures death to the old self, burial, and rising to a new life in Christ.
In short, baptism is a gospel principle because it represents faith, repentance, obedience, and new life through Jesus.
CRAFT ACTIVITY – I Can Be Baptized in Water like Jesus – Baptism Water Wheel
1. Print or copy the activity scene. The scene shows how a child can be baptized in the water (by immersion) like Jesus. Attach the wheel to the sun frame with a paper fastener. Glue the water to the sun-frame where indicated.
2. Turn the wheel to show how figures go under the water to be baptized. Tell children that at age eight they can be baptized in the water like Jesus.
GOSPEL PRINCIPLE
KINDNESS
Moroni 7:45 “And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked.”
KINDNESS is a gospel principle because Jesus Christ taught and demonstrated that we should love, serve, forgive, and care for others.
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Jesus taught love: “Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
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Kindness reflects Christ’s character: Jesus showed compassion to people who were sick, lonely, rejected, or in need.
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Kindness is an act of service: Small acts of helping and encouraging others can express God’s love.
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Kindness includes everyone: The gospel teaches us to treat others with dignity, patience, and compassion, regardless of their circumstances.
In short, kindness is a gospel principle because it is one way we follow Christ’s example of loving and serving God’s children.
POST-AND-PRESENT ACTIVITY. KINDNESS BEGINS WITH ME: Upside-Down Turn-‘Em-Around. Read Ephesians 4:32 “Be ye kind one to another.” Youth vote on situations where someone is kind or unkind, turning the face(s) right side up or face upside down.
This activity (that can be done for any gospel principles) focuses on “kindness.” (1) Turn a face sideways with arrows at bottom. (2) Take turns drawing and reading a situation card. If the action shows KINDNESS turn the face right side up; or if not turn it upside down. (3) If the action does not show kindness, choose a child to tell how they can “turn ’em around” to obey this gospel principle of being kind. Then turn the face around.
SUMMARY
How to Apply HEAVEN ON EARTH – GOSPEL PRINCIPLES:
David A. Bednar suggests that a gospel principle is a guide that helps us make good choices based on what we believe and know to be true. It connects beliefs, actions, and personal responsibility
(see his talk “The Principles of My Gospel” (HERE).
How we can apply this quote (and other gospel principles):
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Use principles to guide decisions: Instead of making choices based only on what is easiest or what others are doing, we can ask, “What gospel principle applies to this situation?” For example, honesty can guide us when deciding whether to tell the truth, even when telling the truth is difficult.
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Take responsibility for our choices: The phrase “moral agency” means that we have the ability and responsibility to choose for ourselves. Applying the quote means recognizing that we cannot always control what happens around us, but we can choose how we respond.
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Put beliefs into action: Knowing a principle is not enough. If we believe in kindness, for example, we can apply that principle by including someone who feels left out, helping a person in need, or speaking respectfully about others.
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Make choices based on lasting values: Gospel principles can help us look beyond immediate consequences. A choice might be tempting in the moment but conflict with principles such as faith, integrity, love, forgiveness, or service.
Example
Imagine that a student notices a classmate being excluded by others. The student could ignore the situation because getting involved might be uncomfortable. However, the gospel principle of loving and serving others can guide the student to include the classmate or offer support. The student is exercising moral agency by freely choosing to act according to that principle.
SUMMARY OF THE QUOTE by David R. Bednar: teaches that gospel principles give us a foundation for making our own choices. We aren’t simply following rules; we’re using what we believe to make responsible, righteous decisions (for a happy life here and hereafter).
YOUTH CAN TEACH
So, please let them teach as it helps them learn the gospel and grow their testimony as they share it.
Use this BRIGHT IDEAS LESSON Planner to plan lesson objectives, activities, and discussions (included with each activity).
