Sunday Happenings

Lesson: Chapter 26- Sacrifice (sorry this is a week late)

Instructor: Sister Bell

A few lesson highlights: "Sacrifice means giving to the Lord whatever He requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further His work. The Lord commanded, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God. People have always been tried and tested to see if they will put the things of God first in their lives."

Why are people willing to make sacrifices for our Father in Heaven?

Examples of sacrifice today:

• A member of the Church in Germany saved his tithing for years until someone with priesthood authority could come and accept it.
• A Relief Society visiting teacher served for 30 years without missing an assignment.
  A group of Saints in South Africa rode for three days, standing up, to be able to hear and see the prophet of the Lord.
• At an area conference in Mexico, members of the Church slept on the ground and fasted during the days of the conference. They had used all their money just to get to the conference and had nothing left for food and shelter.
• One family sold their car to get the money they wanted to contribute to a temple building fund. Another family sold their home to get money to go to the temple.
• Many faithful Latter-day Saints have very little to live on, yet they pay their tithes and offerings.
• One brother sacrificed his job because he refused to work on Sunday.
• In one branch, the youth gave freely and willingly of their time to care for the young children while their parents helped build the meetinghouse.
• Young men and women give up or postpone good job opportunities, education, or sports to serve as missionaries.

"Many more examples could be given of those who sacrifice for the Lord. Yet a place in our Heavenly Father’s kingdom is worth any sacrifice we have to make of our time, talents, energy, money, and lives. Through sacrifice we can obtain a knowledge from the Lord that we are acceptable to Him (see D&C 97:8)."

What are some of the sacrifices you have made, or seen people make in your own life?

Family Home Evening Ideas:

Sharing Time: My Heroes & Heroines

Sharing Time: Pioneers & Temples
LDS Living: Selflessness
LDS Living: Personal Righteousness
LDS Living: Sacrifice