Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

Show a picture of a family.

Remind class members that in addition to belonging to an earthly family, each of us is a spirit son or daughter of our Heavenly Father, who loves us and desires to bless us. In his epistles, John repeatedly emphasizes how the Father and the Son show their love for us and how we can show our love for them.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss how they apply to daily life. Encourage class members to share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.

1. Manifestations of Heavenly Father’s love for us

Discuss the verses listed below. You may want to summarize the discussion on the chalkboard by listing the manifestations of God’s love.

2. Manifestations of the Savior’s love for us

Discuss the verses listed below.

3. Showing our love for Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and others

Discuss the verses listed below. You may want to summarize the discussion on the chalkboard by listing the ways we can show love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

If you used the attention activity, display the picture of the family again and ask the following questions:

Conclusion

Testify of the great love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for us. Encourage class members to remember John’s teachings as they strive to show their love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and for other people.