Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
We study some of Paul's most loved chapters in this week's reading. Paul focuses on how God strengthens us through His gifts of the Spirit and love. He teaches about faith, hope, and charity and explains, "The greatest of these is charity." Gifts of the Spirit are given to all of us to strengthen each other in life's most difficult times.
Introduction to 1 Corinthians 8
First Corinthians 8 begins as Paul refers to the Corinthians' own remarks and questions about attending functions in idol temples or eating food offered to idols. The Corinthians seem to “have knowledge” (1 Cor 8:1) that idols are things and not gods. The problem is not what they know, it is that the focus of their knowledge is on themselves. It is not knowledge that they lack, but love.
The problem includes that some of their fellow Christians come from idol-worshiping backgrounds. For them, eating food that was associated with idol worship is a sin and will “wound their weak conscience” (1 Cor 8:12). These converts are seen as ‘weak’ in their knowledge of Christ’s doctrine and have weak faith in Christ.
Another way to look at it
The problem is that some of the ward have backgrounds that don’t easily mix with your ward’s traditions (or culture). They struggle to ______.
If those who understand the gospel better should apply it to strengthen “them that are weak” (1 Cor 8:9). Paul is asking that we be aware of other’s backgrounds, especially newer members, and use our knowledge to edify with love (see 1 Cor 8:1). To ignore their weakness may lead them to stumble (1 Cor 8:9) and fall. When your knowledge (pride) wounds them, you sin against Christ.
To be more aware of other members in the ward
President James E. Faust: “One of the great myths in life is when [individuals] think they are invincible. Too many think that they are [made] of steel, strong enough to withstand any temptation. They delude themselves into thinking, ‘It cannot happen to me’” (“It Can’t Happen to Me,” Ensign, May 2002, 46).
Brigham Young: “Men and Women who desire seats in the Celestial Kingdom will find that they must battle Satan every day.” (Discourses of Brigham Young p 392)
Elder Ulisses Soares: “Fighting against temptation takes a lifetime of diligence and faithfulness. But please know that the Lord is ready to assist us in our personal efforts and promises remarkable blessings if we endure to the end. …
My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify that as we rely upon the rock of salvation, the Savior of our souls, … our ability to control our thoughts will increase significantly. I can assure you that our spiritual maturity will grow at an increasing pace, changing our heart, making us more like Jesus Christ. Additionally, the influence of the Holy Ghost will be more intense and continuous in our life. Then the enemy’s temptations, little by little, will lose their power over us, resulting in a happier and more pure and consecrated life.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/43soares)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “Right decisions are easiest to make when we make them well in advance, having ultimate objectives in mind; this saves a lot of anguish [during moments of decision], when we’re tired and sorely tempted. …
“Develop discipline of self so that, more and more, you do not have to decide and redecide what you will do when you are confronted with the same temptation time and time again. You only need to decide some things once! …
“The time to quit evil ways is before they start. The secret of the good life is in protection and prevention. Those who yield to evil are usually those who have placed themselves in a vulnerable position” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 108–9).
Elder Ulisses Soares: “Metaphorically speaking, yielding to temptation is like approaching a magnet with a metal object. The magnet’s invisible force attracts the metal object and holds it tightly. The magnet loses its power over it only when the metal object is placed far from it. Therefore, just as the magnet is unable to exercise power over a faraway metal object, as we resist temptation, it fades away and loses its power over our mind and heart and, consequently, over our actions.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/43soares)
In 1 Corinthians 11:1–16, Paul addressed social customs among the Corinthians of his day that were not aligned with the Lord’s view on the divine roles of men and women. It is important not to confuse these customs with the truths Paul was teaching.
Elder M. Russell Ballard: “Men and women are equal in God’s eyes and in the eyes of the Church, but equal does not mean they are the same. The responsibilities and divine gifts of men and women differ in their nature but not in their importance or influence. Our Church doctrine places women equal to and yet different from men. God does not regard either gender as better or more important than the other” (“Men and Women in the Work of the Lord,” New Era, Apr. 2014, 4).
Elder David A. Bednar: “By divine design, men and women are intended to progress together toward perfection and a fulness of glory. Because of their distinctive temperaments and capacities, males and females each bring to a marriage relationship unique perspectives and experiences. The man and the woman contribute differently but equally to a oneness and a unity that can be achieved in no other way.
“The man completes and perfects the woman and the woman completes and perfects the man as they learn from and mutually strengthen and bless each other” (“https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2006/06/marriage-is-essential-to-his-eternal-plan).
President Howard W. Hunter: “I asked myself this question: “Do I place God above all other things and keep all of His commandments?” Then came reflection and resolution. To make a covenant with the Lord to always keep His commandments is a serious obligation, and to renew that covenant by partaking of the sacrament is equally serious. The solemn moments of thought while the sacrament is being served have great significance. They are moments of self-examination, introspection, self-discernment—a time to reflect and to resolve.” (“Thoughts on the Sacrament,” Ensign, May 1977, 25)
While President David O. McKay was serving a mission in Scotland, he saw this stone above the door of a building near Stirling Castle and was inspired by its message (see Francis M. Gibbons, David O. McKay: Apostle to the World, Prophet of God [1986], 45).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety. Those listed in the revealed word are simply illustrations of the boundless outpouring of divine grace that a gracious God gives those who love and serve him" (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 371.)
Elder Orson Pratt: “Whenever the Holy Ghost takes up its residence in a person, it not only cleanses, sanctifies, and purifies him, in proportion as he yields himself to its influence, but also imparts to him some gift, intended for the benefit of himself and others. No one who has been born of the Spirit, and who remains sufficiently faithful, is left destitute of a spiritual gift. …
“Each member does not receive all these gifts; but they are distributed through the whole body [of the Church], according to the will and wisdom of the Spirit. … Some may have all these gifts bestowed upon them, so as to understand them all, and be prepared to detect any spurious gifts, and to preside over the whole body of the Church, that all may be benefited. These spiritual gifts are distributed among the members of the Church, according to their faithfulness, circumstances, natural abilities, duties, and callings; that the whole may be properly instructed, confirmed, perfected, and saved.” (Masterful Discourses and Writings of Orson Pratt, comp. N. B. Lundwall [1946], 539–41)
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched, reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love. And He always talked with, never down to, people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation.
“That is what He did during His mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. …
“As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart. (“You Are My Hands,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 68)
Elder David A. Bednar: “We receive spiritual gifts in order to bless other people. If our desire is to receive a gift because we want it, we probably will not receive it. As we seek to serve others in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ, then we are blessed with spiritual gifts and increased capacity that make service possible. (“Understanding Heavenly Father’s Plan,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/understanding-heavenly-fathers-plan)
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “You may feel that there are others who are more capable or more experienced who could fulfill your callings and assignments better than you can, but the Lord gave you your responsibilities for a reason. There may be people and hearts only you can reach and touch. Perhaps no one else could do it in quite the same way.” (“Lift Where You Stand,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 56)
President Dallin H. Oaks: “Charity, ‘the pure love of Christ’ [Moroni 7:47], is not an act but a condition or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes.” (“The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 34)
Teaching Thoughts:
Introduction to 1 Corinthians 8
First Corinthians 8 begins as Paul refers to the Corinthians' own remarks and questions about attending functions in idol temples or eating food offered to idols. The Corinthians seem to “have knowledge” (1 Cor 8:1) that idols are things and not gods. The problem is not what they know, it is that the focus of their knowledge is on themselves. It is not knowledge that they lack, but love.
The problem includes that some of their fellow Christians come from idol-worshiping backgrounds. For them, eating food that was associated with idol worship is a sin and will “wound their weak conscience” (1 Cor 8:12). These converts are seen as ‘weak’ in their knowledge of Christ’s doctrine and have weak faith in Christ.
Another way to look at it
The problem is that some of the ward have backgrounds that don’t easily mix with your ward’s traditions (or culture). They struggle to ______.
If those who understand the gospel better should apply it to strengthen “them that are weak” (1 Cor 8:9). Paul is asking that we be aware of other’s backgrounds, especially newer members, and use our knowledge to edify with love (see 1 Cor 8:1). To ignore their weakness may lead them to stumble (1 Cor 8:9) and fall. When your knowledge (pride) wounds them, you sin against Christ.
To be more aware of other members in the ward
- Actively listen (to them, and the Spirit).
- Repeat what was said.
- Pay attention to tone of voice.
- Watch facial expressions and body language.
(90% of communication is non-verbal) - Put yourself in someone else's moccasins and walk a mile.
- Notice the details.
- Avoid the drive-by interactions.
- Remember that some things really don’t matter.
(Sources: https://online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/communication/how-much-of-communication-is-nonverbal/, https://www.wikihow.com/Develop-Social-Awareness)
President James E. Faust: “One of the great myths in life is when [individuals] think they are invincible. Too many think that they are [made] of steel, strong enough to withstand any temptation. They delude themselves into thinking, ‘It cannot happen to me’” (“It Can’t Happen to Me,” Ensign, May 2002, 46).
Brigham Young: “Men and Women who desire seats in the Celestial Kingdom will find that they must battle Satan every day.” (Discourses of Brigham Young p 392)
Elder Ulisses Soares: “Fighting against temptation takes a lifetime of diligence and faithfulness. But please know that the Lord is ready to assist us in our personal efforts and promises remarkable blessings if we endure to the end. …
My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify that as we rely upon the rock of salvation, the Savior of our souls, … our ability to control our thoughts will increase significantly. I can assure you that our spiritual maturity will grow at an increasing pace, changing our heart, making us more like Jesus Christ. Additionally, the influence of the Holy Ghost will be more intense and continuous in our life. Then the enemy’s temptations, little by little, will lose their power over us, resulting in a happier and more pure and consecrated life.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/43soares)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “Right decisions are easiest to make when we make them well in advance, having ultimate objectives in mind; this saves a lot of anguish [during moments of decision], when we’re tired and sorely tempted. …
“Develop discipline of self so that, more and more, you do not have to decide and redecide what you will do when you are confronted with the same temptation time and time again. You only need to decide some things once! …
“The time to quit evil ways is before they start. The secret of the good life is in protection and prevention. Those who yield to evil are usually those who have placed themselves in a vulnerable position” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 108–9).
Elder Ulisses Soares: “Metaphorically speaking, yielding to temptation is like approaching a magnet with a metal object. The magnet’s invisible force attracts the metal object and holds it tightly. The magnet loses its power over it only when the metal object is placed far from it. Therefore, just as the magnet is unable to exercise power over a faraway metal object, as we resist temptation, it fades away and loses its power over our mind and heart and, consequently, over our actions.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/43soares)
In 1 Corinthians 11:1–16, Paul addressed social customs among the Corinthians of his day that were not aligned with the Lord’s view on the divine roles of men and women. It is important not to confuse these customs with the truths Paul was teaching.
Elder M. Russell Ballard: “Men and women are equal in God’s eyes and in the eyes of the Church, but equal does not mean they are the same. The responsibilities and divine gifts of men and women differ in their nature but not in their importance or influence. Our Church doctrine places women equal to and yet different from men. God does not regard either gender as better or more important than the other” (“Men and Women in the Work of the Lord,” New Era, Apr. 2014, 4).
Elder David A. Bednar: “By divine design, men and women are intended to progress together toward perfection and a fulness of glory. Because of their distinctive temperaments and capacities, males and females each bring to a marriage relationship unique perspectives and experiences. The man and the woman contribute differently but equally to a oneness and a unity that can be achieved in no other way.
“The man completes and perfects the woman and the woman completes and perfects the man as they learn from and mutually strengthen and bless each other” (“https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2006/06/marriage-is-essential-to-his-eternal-plan).
President Howard W. Hunter: “I asked myself this question: “Do I place God above all other things and keep all of His commandments?” Then came reflection and resolution. To make a covenant with the Lord to always keep His commandments is a serious obligation, and to renew that covenant by partaking of the sacrament is equally serious. The solemn moments of thought while the sacrament is being served have great significance. They are moments of self-examination, introspection, self-discernment—a time to reflect and to resolve.” (“Thoughts on the Sacrament,” Ensign, May 1977, 25)
While President David O. McKay was serving a mission in Scotland, he saw this stone above the door of a building near Stirling Castle and was inspired by its message (see Francis M. Gibbons, David O. McKay: Apostle to the World, Prophet of God [1986], 45).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety. Those listed in the revealed word are simply illustrations of the boundless outpouring of divine grace that a gracious God gives those who love and serve him" (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 371.)
Elder Orson Pratt: “Whenever the Holy Ghost takes up its residence in a person, it not only cleanses, sanctifies, and purifies him, in proportion as he yields himself to its influence, but also imparts to him some gift, intended for the benefit of himself and others. No one who has been born of the Spirit, and who remains sufficiently faithful, is left destitute of a spiritual gift. …
“Each member does not receive all these gifts; but they are distributed through the whole body [of the Church], according to the will and wisdom of the Spirit. … Some may have all these gifts bestowed upon them, so as to understand them all, and be prepared to detect any spurious gifts, and to preside over the whole body of the Church, that all may be benefited. These spiritual gifts are distributed among the members of the Church, according to their faithfulness, circumstances, natural abilities, duties, and callings; that the whole may be properly instructed, confirmed, perfected, and saved.” (Masterful Discourses and Writings of Orson Pratt, comp. N. B. Lundwall [1946], 539–41)
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched, reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love. And He always talked with, never down to, people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation.
“That is what He did during His mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. …
“As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart. (“You Are My Hands,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 68)
Elder David A. Bednar: “We receive spiritual gifts in order to bless other people. If our desire is to receive a gift because we want it, we probably will not receive it. As we seek to serve others in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ, then we are blessed with spiritual gifts and increased capacity that make service possible. (“Understanding Heavenly Father’s Plan,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/understanding-heavenly-fathers-plan)
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “You may feel that there are others who are more capable or more experienced who could fulfill your callings and assignments better than you can, but the Lord gave you your responsibilities for a reason. There may be people and hearts only you can reach and touch. Perhaps no one else could do it in quite the same way.” (“Lift Where You Stand,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 56)
President Dallin H. Oaks: “Charity, ‘the pure love of Christ’ [Moroni 7:47], is not an act but a condition or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes.” (“The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 34)
Teaching Thoughts:
- Ask class or family to find a story where Christ showed charity? How did the Savior’s love for you affect your feelings for Him?
- Invitation to be more aware of others.
- Big differences in teaching truth vs. talking about custom or tradition (see 1 Cor 11).
- Be excellent to each other.