Gospel Doctrine Lesson 34: “Keep the Ordinances, As I Delivered Them”
2015 Curriculum
LGBT Considerations
Gospel Doctrine Lesson 34: “Keep the Ordinances, As I Delivered Them”
Approximate Scheduled Teaching Date: Sunday, September 6, 2015
This lesson contains the following questions:
- “What does it mean that ‘neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord’? (1 Corinthians 11:11).
- Why is the relationship of husband and wife so important in the kingdom of God? What does this teach us about how husbands and wives should treat each other?” (p. 20)
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The above comments reflect a core doctrine and teaching of the Church in its definition of marriage as one man and one woman. There, it may be wise for LGBT members, friends, and families who have strong opinions about same-sex marriage to study, pray, and fast, if necessary, in advance of the lesson date, seeking Spiritual guidance and strength in dealing with this portion of the lesson. It may be difficult to remain silent while someone offers an opinion that others may find offensive. That is when the guidance of the Spirit is so important, so you may know not only what to say, but how to say it, and whether it’s better left unsaid. Look for points on which you can agree, instead of focusing on the negatives. No one has ever changed a person’s testimony by proving them wrong.
In addition, look at this area as only one part of the lesson. Other points include the sacrament, spiritual gifts, and kingdoms of glory. For example, the Scripture Chain in the study guide provides extensive passages regarding the various spiritual gifts that each of us has, and how we can share our gifts with others, while seeking help from them and their gifts. As we focus on what gifts a person has, rather than on what he doesn’t, we will find more to appreciate and value in each other. The Spirit may then use the same approach to help us see each other not just by their politics or attitudes or sexual orientation, but as a total person, a child of God.