Scripture
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Hymn
My Heavenly Father Loves Me | Children’s Songbook, Pg. #228
1. Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree,
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heav’nly Father created for me.
2. He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him rev’rently
For all his creations, of which I’m a part.
Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.
Lesson
*Suitable for All Ages*
Read aloud: One one of the most important things the restored gospel teaches us is the divine nature of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Through the gospel, we learn that God loves us and has a plan for our eternal joy, which is centered on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Many people throughout history have viewed God as an angry or vengeful God. We are so blessed to have the knowledge that God cares deeply for us. We are his children and he cares about every aspect of our lives.
One story that illustrates the love of God is the story of Joseph Smith’s First Vision.
Hold up this image of the First Vision. Read through Joseph Smith’s account found here or give your own summary.
Ask: What are some ways we can tell Heavenly Father loved Joseph? [God called him by name, answered his prayer, etc.]
Share a personal experience from your own life when you felt God’s love. Then ask for others to share similar experiences.
Read aloud: Feeling and understanding God’s love is very important. It gives us strength, courage, comfort, and perspective. However, there are times when we don’t feel God’s love. Sometimes it is because we have made bad choices. Sometimes we are just going through a trial where God is testing our faith. Sometimes, we just don’t know. However, God has promised we can learn of him and find his love.
Ask: What are some ways we can learn if God loves us? [Prayer, scripture study, patriarchal blessings, temples, etc.]
Read aloud: One of the best ways to recognize God’s love is to count our blessings. Many times, when we don’t feel love from God, we focus on the darkness and confusion. Heavenly Father works in very quiet, still ways. If we aren’t paying attention we can miss it. By counting our blessings every day we are more likely to see the hand of God in our lives and evidence that he loves us.
Finish the lesson by bearing your testimony of God’s love.
Featured Products
Treat
Baby Elephant Ears
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-1 box Pillsbury™ refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
-1/4 cup butter, melted
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Place two 12-inch squares waxed paper on work surface.
2. In small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
3. On work surface, unroll 1 crust. Brush with butter; sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar.
4. Top with second crust. Brush top of second crust with butter, sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar; roll up.
5. Cut the roll into 12 (1-inch) slices, then press down slightly, and roll individually between the sheets of waxed paper to 1/4-inch slices, replacing waxed paper as needed. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
6. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Cool on cooling rack.
(Courtesy of Courtesy of Pillsbury)
Activity
Shaving Cream Rain Clouds
This fun activity is simple and done with basic household items. You can relate it to the blessings and love God pours down on us. Learn how to make them here.
