5 TEACHING IDEAS FOR COME FOLLOW ME LESSONS

See the complete list of CFM Lessons

Doctrine and Covenants 58 – 59

This week’s topics are the upside of tribulations, blessings for volunteering, the power within us, gratitude, and the Earth.

You can find the full Come, Follow Me lesson here. Unless you opt to spend a lot of time on a particular quote, try to pick around 2 questions per quote. Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities.

All blue quotes from the Doctrine and Covenants (unless otherwise noted).

Lesson Prep

• If you want the discussion to be more meaningful, hand out reading assignments ahead of time and ask the reader to answer one question about them (pick one of the questions below and give it to them, along with the assigned quote). The sooner you do this, the better, but if possible, at least show it to them before the Sacrament meeting. You can also text or email it.
• Ask various people to read and participate—especially those who aren’t asked as much.

Lesson Delivery

You can arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you. I suggest starting with the most important ones and working your way down. Don’t worry about covering all the quotes.

• Ensure every class member has a set of scriptures in front of them or on their phone. Always invite the class to read along—hearing and seeing the words together increases comprehension and engagement.
• Avoid videos – they shut down discussion. Save them for personal study.
• If the discussion gets too non-spiritual, pull it back by going to the next quote or question.
• Make sure you assign others to read the quotes. You’re talking enough already, and letting others read allows more people to participate.
• Encourage discussion by accepting all reasonable answers. Validate people for participating, and be thankful they spoke up. Engage with the answer in a conversational way whenever it feels natural. Never say, “That’s not the right answer,” or “We haven’t got to that part of the lesson yet.”
• Remember, spiritual discussion is golden. We want people to talk about the gospel together.
• If the discussion takes a different turn than your planned lesson, roll with it. The Spirit intends for you to be successful.

Quote #1 (blessed)

Possible Intro: It doesn’t matter what happens to us as much as how we respond to what happened.

Note: Can be divided between multiple readers.

2 For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

3 Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.

4 For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand. (Doctrine and Covenants 58:2-4)

Possible discussion questions: Why are the blessings more incredible for those who stay faithful to the gospel, even though life is rough? Why do faithful people go through tough times—does it mean they are less favored? Who do you admire who has survived tough times and remained strong in the gospel? (For me, Joseph Smith) Why is it essential to seek a good attitude even when life is hard? How can we find more peace, strength, and confidence when disappointed?

Quote #2 (compelled)

Possible engagement tool: These verses could be categorized as “How to Have a Happy Life…No Matter What”

Note: Can be divided among three readers.

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

compelled: pressed, pushed, urged
slothful: slow, work-shy, lazy, sluggish

Possible discussion question: Are we sometimes compelled and slothful when it’s time to do chores?

27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

anxiously engaged: Worry more about doing something and getting involved in a cause…rather than “being someone” and seeking applause.  There is so much richness and satisfaction in being a doer and acting on behalf of others! 

much: heaps, loads, a lot of, generous, no end, substantial, voluminous

“Much” is a lot more than “some” or “sometimes.” Our gospel is a religion of action and doing. Not just some action or doing, but powerful, frequent action and ‘much’ doing.

Possible discussion question: Have you ever been “anxiously engaged” in a cause that helps the Lord’s Kingdom? What did you do? Is it time to plan another way to be anxiously engaged?

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. (Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-28)

The big message is that you have much power within you, waiting to be developed and unleashed! It’s a gift and it brings the Spirit and joy into our lives, primarily when we act on behalf of others.

Possible discussion questions: What are some ideas for being anxiously engaged?

Quote #3 (thanks)

Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. (Doctrine and Covenants 59:7)

Possible Activity: Here are four short quotes about gratitude by President Nelson. Please make sure each class member has access to the list, and ask them to take a minute to pick out their favorite quote.

“Counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems. No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges is a unique, fast-acting, and long-lasting spiritual prescription.” 

“The Lord loves effort, and effort brings rewards. When we exercise gratitude, we open the windows of heaven.” 

“Gratitude provides perspective, and perspective brings peace.” 

“As we cultivate a grateful heart, we become more aware of the Lord’s hand in our lives.”

Activity questions: Which quote did you pick and why? What does it say to you personally?

Possible discussion questions: What are some things you are thankful for? When did you last give the Lord heartfelt thanks for something in your life? What happens to our attitude when we allow gratitude to permeate our mindset?

Quote #4 (oblations)

Possible engagement tool: Write “oblations” on the board. Read Elder Christofferson’s definition of oblations from the last General Conference:

“Jesus says, ‘Remember that on this, the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblations [meaning thine ‘offerings … of time, talents, or means, in service of God and fellowman’]” (Elder Christofferson, Worship – April 2025)

—AND—

12 But remember that on this, the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.

13 And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full.

14 Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer. (Doctrine and Covenants 59:12-14)

Possible discussion question: What are oblations? What oblations can we offer on the Sabbath Day? Why would we want to be anxiously engaged on the Sabbath Day? Is it possible for fasting to be joyful? Have you ever had a spiritual experience when fasting? (Be ready to share an experience of your own in case no one answers.)

Quote #5 (gladden)

Possible intro: As we read this quote, ask your class to think about what the earth gives them that makes them happy.

Note: Can be divided between multiple readers.

16 Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth;

17 Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards;

18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;

19 Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.

20 And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. (Doctrine and Covenants 59:16-20)

Possible discussion questions: Who was the Earth for? What did the Lord place on the Earth to help us? Some people try to make us feel guilty for using these God-given resources – what would your [peacemaking] response be?

Summary

Summarize class discussion highlights and/or share your testimony and feelings about the lesson. Thank your class for their excellent contributions and insights.

Final Comment

As you study and teach, you can help others find more truths in the scriptures. Thank you for bringing powerful Doctrine and Covenant teachings into other people’s lives.

If you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching, try “9 Tips for More Class Participation.” Please arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you.