Outline 5: How to Create Mutual Respect in Your Apartments

Use these lesson outlines in student living meetings with your tenants to help them learn apartment living principles to help them have positives living experiences at BYU-Idaho.

Create Mutual Respect in your Apartments

Help students understand how showing Christlike tolerance for differences in others can develop mutual respect and build Zion in their homes.

Step 1: Ponder

Step 2: Discuss

Step 3: Activity

Step 4: Invite and Follow Up

Preparation

In preparation for this meeting, ask yourself the following questions:

In your own home, how do you exemplify mutual respect within your family?
How does the Savior expect you to respect others?

Discussion Options

Select one of the three options below to lead residents in a group discussion. This discussion will help residents understand how developing mutual respect for their roommates can build Zion in their apartments. As you prepare, consider additional questions that will enhance the discussion. Remember to allow residents time to think and participate.

Option 1
Option 2
Option 3

The Higher Law

Watch the video and discuss the following questions:

How can loving your roommates set a tone for mutual respect in your apartment?
In what ways can you live the Higher Law in your apartment?
How can you maintain Christlike love and respect when someone treats you poorly?

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Video Companion

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Civility

Watch the video and read Matthew 7:12. Discuss the following questions:

What impact do love and respect have on roommate relationships?
With the events happening in the world today, how have you seen a greater importance for mutual respect?
Why is it important to make an effort to get to know one another?
What actions can you take to show civility towards your roommates?

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Video Companion

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Mutual Respect

Watch the videos and discuss the following questions:

"New Roommate"

"Early Riser"

"Jake's Ice Cream"

How have you handled a situation similar to the videos?
How can I show respect in a difficult situation?
What are some fears you have in regards to living with roommates?
How can showing respect help you be a better roommate?
Hand each resident a 3x5 index card. Invite them to set a goal for the semester to show respect for their roommates.

Activity

This activity is intended to help residents understand the importance of living mutual respect in practical ways. Break in to small groups and discuss the following quote and questions:

"Intolerance seeds contention; tolerance supersedes contention. Tolerance is the key that opens the door to mutual understanding and love." (Russell M. Nelson, "Teach Us Tolerance and Love," Ensign, May 1994, 71.)
How does tolerance help build mutual respect?
How can tolerance strengthen your roommate relationships?
How can we balance tolerance with what is right?

Invite and Follow Up

Invite students to pray for opportunities where they can express mutual respect in their apartments this semester. Follow up in person, by email, or text on their experiences.