Becoming More Christlike

BECOMING MORE LIKE CHRIST

Jesus Christ has commanded all of us, “Be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect[1]”. Developing the attributes of Christ will help women fulfill their divine potential as daughters of God. They will need these attributes as they face the challenges of living in perilous times and as they raise righteous families in the future.[2]

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES

John 14:6

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life”

 HOW CAN I BECOME MORE CHRISTLIKE?

"Jesus Christ set the perfect example for us, and He has commanded us to become as He is. He exemplified characteristics such as faith, hope, charity, patience, humility, purity, diligence, and obedience. As we learn of Him and seek to develop His attributes, we will become the women He and our Heavenly Father would like us to be.”[3]

What are some of the attributes of Jesus Christ?  Which of these attributes do I most need to develop? Whom have I seen or known in my life who exemplifies these attributes?

Make a copy of the attribute activity on page 126 of Preach My Gospel, and take a few minutes to complete the self-evaluation. Record what you learn from this activity. Think about a Christlike attribute you admire in a friend or a family member.

Matthew 26:36–45, 50–52; Luke 23:33–34; John 19:25–27; 3 Nephi 17	Examples of Christ’s attributes
Mosiah 3:19	Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be come saints
3 Nephi 12:48; Moroni 7:48	invitations to become like the Savior
Dallin H. Oaks	“The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32-34
Mormonads	“Follow the Leader,” “Be Even As I Am,” “He Knows The Way”
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints	Ensign, Apr. 2000, 2–3
How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes?	Preach My Gospel (2004), 115–26

HOW CAN I DEVELOP CHRISTLIKE LOVE?

“The pure love of Christ, known as charity, is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul[4]. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of charity. In His mortal ministry, He “went about doing good,” showing tender compassion for the poor, afflicted, and distressed[5]. To develop Christlike love, we must seek it, pray for it, and follow the example of the Savior in our thoughts, words, and actions.”[6]

When have others shown you Christlike love? What effect did this have on you? When have you felt Christlike love? How do you develop Christlike love for others?

On a piece of paper, write “I have felt the most love from someone when ___________.” Fill in the blank.

Genesis 45; Luke 23:33–34; Alma 61:9	Examples of people who showed love
John 15:9–13	Christ demonstrated His love for us by laying down His life
1 John 4:7–11, 18–21	God is love
Mosiah 4:16	Succor those who stand in need of your succor
3 Nephi 12:44	Love your enemies
Moroni 7:45–48	Charity is the pure love of Christ; pray to be filled with this love
Leviticus 19:18	Love thy neighbor as thyself
Charity	True to the Faith (2004), 27–29
Thomas S. Monson	Charity Never Faileth,” Ensign, Nov. 2010, 122–25
Dieter F. Uchtdorf	The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign, May 2012, 70–77
Videos	“Cheering Each Other On,” “For Madison,” “Sharing the Light of Christ”

HOW CAN I BE MORE CHRISTLIKE IN MY SERVICE TO OTHERS?

“Jesus Christ set the perfect example of how to love and serve those around Him. At baptism, we promise to serve others. We can serve others as the Savior did in many ways, such as helping family members, sharing the gospel with others, and performing simple, everyday acts of kindness.”[7]

What have you learned from the scriptures about how Christ served others? When have you been blessed through the Christlike service of others? How have you followed the Savior’s example of service?

Matthew 14:13–21; John 9:1–7; 13:4–5, 12–17; 1 Nephi 11:31; 3 Nephi 17:5–9	Examples of Jesus Christ serving others
Matthew 25:31–46	When we serve others, we are serving God
Luke 10:25–37	The good Samaritan; see also the video “The Good Samaritan,”[8]
Mosiah 2:17	King Benjamin teaches that when we serve others, we serve God
Matthew 20:27	The Savior teaches His disciples that he who is greatest is the servant
John 13:34–35	We should love as the Savior loves
Dieter F. Uchtdorf	‘You Are My Hands,’” Ensign, May 2010, 68–75
Service	For the Strength of Youth (2011), 32–33
Videos	“Time to Give,” “For Madison,” “Cheering Each Other On”; “Opportunities to Do Good”

HOW CAN I LEARN TO BE MORE PATIENT?

“Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without being angry, frustrated, or anxious. We can develop patience by seeking to do God’s will and accept His timing, trusting that He will fulfill all of His promises to us. As we learn to be patient in small things, we prepare ourselves to face larger trials with patience.”[9]

What experiences have taught you about patience (such as major trials, as well as less dramatic experiences)? What has helped you to be patient during challenging times?

Think of someone from the scriptures who is an example of patience. Then to write a description of what this person did that demonstrated patience.

Job 1; Romans 5:3	Tribulations strengthen patience
Psalm 37:7–9; Hebrews 10:35–36; Mosiah 23:21–22; Alma 26:27; D&C 24:8	Blessings come to those who are patient
Mosiah 3:19	Putting off the natural man includes becoming patient
Dieter F. Uchtdorf	“Continue in Patience,” Ensign, May 2010, 56–59; see also the video “Continue in Patience”
Robert C. Oaks	“The Power of Patience,” Ensign, Nov. 2006, 15–17

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE GRATEFUL?

“The Lord wants us to have a spirit of gratitude in all we do and say. When we are grateful, we will have greater happiness and satisfaction in our lives. We will recognize the influence and blessings of the Lord.”[10]

What are some things you are most grateful for? How has being grateful increased your happiness?

Choose a letter of the alphabet, and take one minute to list all the blessings you can think of that begin with that letter. Why do we sometimes overlook the seemingly small blessings the Lord has given us? Read Doctrine and Covenants 46:32 or 59:21. How can we show more gratitude for “whatsoever blessing [we] are blessed with”?

Psalm 92:1; 100; Alma 26:8	Expressions of praise and thanksgiving
Luke 17:11–19	The ten lepers
Alma 37:37; D&C 46:32	We are commanded to give thanks
D&C 59:15–21	Ingratitude offends God
D&C 78:19	Blessings of gratitude
Hymns	“How Great Thou Art,” no. 86; “Sing Praise to Him,”  no. 70
Thomas S. Monson	“The Divine Gift of Gratitude,” Ensign, Nov. 2010, 87–90
Gratitude	For the Strength of Youth (2011), 18
Russell M. Nelson	“Thanks Be to God,” Ensign, May 2012, 77–79; see also the video “Give Thanks”

HOW CAN I INVITE OTHERS TO BECOME MORE LIKE THE SAVIOR?

“Jesus Christ invited His disciples to follow Him, keep His commandments, and become like Him. As members of the Church, we have the responsibility to follow His example and invite others to learn of Him. We can all improve our ability to invite others to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.”[11]

What invitations from others have helped you become more Christlike? How have you invited others to make changes in their lives that will help them become more like the Savior?

Mark 10:17–22; Luke 10:25–37	Examples of Jesus inviting others to live gospel principles
Matthew 11:28–30; Moroni 10:32	Invitations to come unto Christ
Henry B. Eyring	“Come unto Christ,” Ensign, Mar. 2008, 49–52 “Let Us Raise Our Voice of Warning,“ Ensign, Jan. 2009, 2-7
Preach My Gospel	“How Do I Help People Make and Keep Commitments?”  p. 195–201
Video	“Inviting All to Come unto Christ: Sharing the Gospel”[12]

HOW CAN I SHOW LOVE FOR THOSE I TEACH?

 “Jesus Christ loved those He taught. He prayed for them and found opportunities to express His love. We can develop love for those we teach by praying for them and selflessly serving them. When those we teach can sense that we sincerely love them, their hearts are softened, and they are more open to the truths we are teaching.”[13]

How have you been influenced by a teacher who showed love to you? How have you developed love for those you teach?

John 13:34	We should love others as Jesus Christ loves us
Mosiah 28:1–3; Alma 17:21–39; 20:21–27	Ammon shows love to the Lamanites whom he is about to teach
Moroni 7:45	Without charity we are nothing
Thomas S. Monson	“Examples of Great Teachers,” Ensign, June 2007, 74-80
Teaching, No Greater Call	“Love Those You Teach,” p. 31–39
Video	“Love Those You Teach”[14]

HOW DID THE SAVIOR COMPARE GOSPEL TRUTHS TO FAMILIAR OBJECTS AND EXPERIENCES?

“Jesus Christ is the Master Teacher. He shared simple stories, parables, and real-life examples that helped those He taught understand gospel principles. We can use stories to teach like the Savior as we relate our personal experiences and relate gospel principles to the world around us.”[15]

Which of the parables of Jesus are most memorable to you and why? What other comparisons have helped you understand gospel principles?

Matthew 20:1–15; 25:1–13, 14–30; Luke 8:4–15; 15:1–7, 8–10, 11–32	Examples of parables
Matthew 18:1–6	The Savior uses a child to teach about the kingdom of heaven
Matthew 5:14–16	The Savior compares His disciples to light and candles
Jeffrey R. Holland	“The Laborers in the Vineyard,” Ensign , May 2012, 31–33
David A. Bednar	“Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign, May 2007, 19–22
Teaching, No Greater Call	“Comparisons and Object Lessons,” p. 63–64 “Stories,” p. 179–82

HOW CAN I USE QUESTIONS EFFECTIVELY AS I TEACH?

“Jesus Christ, the Master Teacher, often asked questions to encourage people to ponder and apply the principles He taught. His questions prompted thought, soul-searching, and commitment. To help those we teach, we can learn to ask questions that help others think about, discuss, and apply gospel principles.”[16]

How have you seen effective teachers use questions to help others ponder and apply the gospel? How do you use questions when you teach?

Matthew 7:7–11	The Savior asks questions to help us apply the principle of prayer
Matthew 16:13–17	The Savior asks questions that invited Peter to testify
Matthew 16:24–26	The Savior asks questions that prompt deeper thinking
Alma 5:14–30	Alma uses questions to teach the Nephites
Dieter F. Uchtdorf	“The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign, May 2012, 70–76
Teaching, No Greater Call	“Teaching with Questions,” Teaching, p. 68–70
Video	“Things as They Really Are”[17]

WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOSPEL LEARNING FROM THE SAVIOR’S EXAMPLE?

“In gospel learning, as in all things, Jesus Christ is our perfect example. Because He was perfectly obedient and submissive to His Father, He was able to “increase in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Just as the Savior received “grace for grace” (D&C 93:12), we must patiently seek light and knowledge from God in our efforts to learn the gospel.”[18]

What Christlike attributes do you feel are important to gospel learning? How has developing these attributes helped you in your efforts to study and teach the gospel?

Luke 2:40–52	Jesus Christ grew in wisdom and spirit as a boy
John 5:30	Jesus Christ always sought His Father’s will
1 Corinthians 2:14	The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit
D&C 1:26–28; 112:10	If we are willing and humble, the Lord will teach us
D&C 93:11–20	We can receive grace for grace as the Savior did
D&C 130:18–19	We gain knowledge and intelligence through diligence and obedience
Richard G. Scott	“Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86–88
Robert R. Steuer	“Being Teachable,” Ensign, May 2002, 31–32

BECOMING MORE LIKE CHRIST - ADDITIONAL NOTES

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[1] 3 Nephi 12:48

[2] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/yw/becoming-more-christlike?lang=eng

[3] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/yw/becoming-more-christlike/more?lang=eng

[4] 1 Nephi 11:23

[5] Matthew 4:23; Acts 10:38

[6] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/yw/becoming-more-christlike/develop?lang=eng

[7] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/yw/becoming-more-christlike/service?lang=eng

[8] lds.org/bible-videos

[9] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/yw/becoming-more-christlike/patient?lang=eng

[10] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/yw/becoming-more-christlike/grateful?lang=eng

[11] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/becoming-more-christlike/invite?lang=eng

[12] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/becoming-more-christlike/invite?lang=eng#video=inviting-all-to-come-unto-christ-sharing-the-gospel

[13] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/becoming-more-christlike/love?lang=eng

[14] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/becoming-more-christlike/love?lang=eng#video=love-those-you-teach

[15] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/becoming-more-christlike/familiar?lang=eng

[16] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/becoming-more-christlike/questions?lang=eng

[17] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/becoming-more-christlike/questions?lang=eng#video=things-as-they-really-are

[18] https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/becoming-more-christlike/example?lang=eng