September 18–24 2 Corinthians 8–13 - “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver”

September 18–24 2 Corinthians 8–13 - “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver”
Trail of Sacrifice—Valley of Promise (Handcart Pioneers Approaching the Salt Lake Valley), by Clark Kelley Price

Weekly Message

I hope that as you study 2 Corinthians 8-13 you hear the words of the spirit teaching you the specific lessons that you need to learn to come closer to Jesus Christ. He knows each of us personally and your individual relationship with him is unique to you. While studying with the spirit, you will receive revelation through the scriptures that can bless your life and give you instruction that will guide you through your difficulties.

Just Watch

Just Do

As always each week Come, Follow Me has fantastic activities for younger children in the Primary edition.

As a family read though 2 Corinthians 8-9. Discuss with each other the differences between willful service and resentful service. Why is it important to give service willingly and with a cheerful heart? Read Matthew 25:31-46 and Mosiah 2:12-21. Discuss how service is one important way to show God that we love him.

Then plan an activity for the week where, as a family, you give service to another family member, a friend, another ward member, or a member of the community. Follow the example of Christ and plan to apply the teachings of Paul to be a “cheerful giver”.

Just Learn

Paul teaches us that even the most devout followers of Christ can suffer pains and afflictions. Read 2 Corinthians 11:21-33, which is Paul’s summary of his sufferings as an apostle of Christ.

There are many of examples of the faithful suffering at the hands of the wicked, or from natural disasters. Here are a few: Paul is shipwrecked and then bitten by a snake (Acts 27-28), the Hebrews are enslaved by the Egyptians (Exodus 1), Nephi and his family has to flee from his brothers (2 Nephi 5), Abinadi Is burned alive(Mosiah 17), the believers in Ammonihah are burned (Alma 14), and there are countless stories of suffering among the early Latter-day Saints.

Why do you think the faithful sometimes suffer? (That’s a really hard question with many different answers, I encourage you to read through both scriptural and historical accounts of suffering among the saints. See what kind of attitude they had and why they continued in faith, despite the challenges they faced. If you can understand their perspective, it will help answer that question.)

Weekly Challenge

Search for an additional opportunity to give service this week. Better yet plan something ahead of time, reach out to our Service Coordinator—Ariel Despain—for ideas on what you can do. Try to go out of your way to provide service this week, even if it is hard or inconvenient and try do so cheerfully.

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Jamie Larson
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