The Power of the Love of God
Teach students how they treat one another is a reflection of their love for God.
Step 1: Ponder
Step 2: Discuss
Step 3: Activity
Step 4: Invite and Follow Up
Step 1: Ponder
Step 2: Discuss
Step 3: Activity
Step 4: Invite and Follow Up
Preparation
In preparation for this meeting, read 1 John 4:20-21 and ponder the following:
- How can you help your residents understand that loving their roommates is a reflection of their love for God?
- What can you do in your Student Living Meeting to strengthen love in each apartment?
- Consider starting the meeting by singing Hymn 308, "Love One Another."
Discussion Options
Select one of the three options below to lead residents in a group discussion. This discussion will help residents identify how their love for God can impact their roommate relationships. As you prepare, consider additional questions that will enhance the discussion. Remember to allow residents time to think and participate.
Love the Roommates
Read Matthew 22:37-39 and 4 Nephi 1:15. Discuss the following questions and quote:
- What does loving God look like in your apartment?
- What about when your roommates are different, annoying, angry, or depressed?
- Turn to your neighbor and describe the actions of someone you admire that loves God.
- Share the following quote: “We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers on this mortal journey. Likewise, we cannot fully love our fellowmen if we do not love God, the Father of us all" (President Thomas S. Monson, "Love—the Essence of the Gospel," Ensign, May 2014).
- Why is loving others difficult? And how can your love for God help you love others?
Charity
Read Moroni 7:45-47. Discuss the following questions:
- How can we identify when we are focused on ourselves rather than focused on others?
- Once you have identified self-serving interests, how can you replace self-centeredness with charity to become a Christlike roommate?
- What does charity look like in an argument with your roommates?
- Think of a past situation in which you didn’t practice charity. How could charity have helped you change the outcome of that scenario?
Judgement and Forgiveness
Share the video "Looking Through Windows" and read John 8:3-11. Discuss the following questions:
- When was a time you realized your “window” was the one that was dirty? How did you change your perspective?
- How can we apply the Savior’s attitude and example in John 8 towards the woman to our roommates?
- How can a propensity to forgive others transform the culture in our apartments?
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Video Companion
Activity
The following activity is intended to help residents learn how their love for God can impact their apartment.
- Break into small groups and discuss any concerns you might have about living with others. Identify how you intend to increase your love for God and for your roommates this semester.
Invite and Follow Up
Invite everyone to pray for increased love for God and for their roommates. (You might tailor your invitation specifically to the discussion you have had.