This week’s readings: 2 Corinthians 1–7
Don’t forget to record your impressions and read the ideas outlined in the new Come, Follow Me manuals on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
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Scripture Insight
This scriptural insight comes fromVerse by Verse: Volume 2 by Andrew C. Skinner and D. Kelly Ogden.
2 Corinthians 5:18–20 Note the use in this passage of “reconcile” and “reconciliation.” The Greek term from which those words are translated denotes being restored to God’s favor. Reconciliation is all part of the Atonement. God himself was willing to come down and make payment for our sins.
Study Ideas
These ideas and topics are compiled from Come, Follow Me and have been adapted for specific situations. Check out the manuals online for more ideas, or come up with your own as you study!
For couples:
There are many scriptures in this week’s readings that talk about the purpose of tribulation. As you read together, perhaps you could take some time to write down recent individual trials or trials you have faced as a couple. Using the scriptures and Paul’s experiences with trials, you might talk together about times you have seen the Lord’s hand during these trials. Consider starting a list of blessings in a place you can both easily see and add to as you gain some perspective on these trials over time.
For singles:
This week, consider starting off your scripture study with some extra time on the first verses of 2 Corinthians 3 as Paul explains that our lives should be like letters of recommendation for the gospel. You might spend some time writing a “letter of recommendation” for the gospel based on how you have been living your own life recently. As you review the letter you have written, you might reflect on areas you can improve in your life.
For families with young children:
Forgiveness is an important topic in this week’s readings. Consider focusing a family home evening on this topic with your young children. Perhaps you can observe instances where your family members (including yourself!) were quick to forgive or held a grudge this week. After reading the scriptures on forgiveness in 2 Corinthians 2, you could share these examples (without using names) or have family members reenact them and ask your family members to identify which ones are good examples of forgiveness. You can also talk about ways the poor examples could have been handled better and how Christ loves and forgives each of us. Next week you can ask family members to share their experiences with forgiveness.
For families with teens:
In this week’s readings, Paul talks about becoming reconciled to Christ and becoming a “new creature.” Perhaps you could focus your family’s study on this topic, looking up definitions of the word “reconcile” and reviewing the story of how Paul became reconciled with Christ and became a “new creature.” To make this principle more relevant to your family, consider inviting a friend, neighbor, extended family member, or someone from your own family who has joined or returned to the Church to share their experience with using the Atonement to become reconciled to God.
Stay in the loop on Come, Follow Me discussions and insights throughout the week by following the Brightly Beams Instagram account, or check out this week's related Come, Follow Me FHE lesson: Understanding Godly Sorrow.
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