Develop and Increase in Compassion

The December Visiting Teaching message is about compassion – how we can develop and increase in it, and how we can nurture through compassionate service. I chose the quote by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, to focus on:

“Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. . . . In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers”

I printed out President Uchtdorf’s quote on a large heart, which is meant to represent “compassion”. You can download the image here.

After cutting out, fold the three sides of the heart into each other, so you get this kind of triangle.

Then write the three ways we can develop our compassion, as found in this month’s message, on the folded sides:

pray (see Moroni 7:48)
open our eyes (refer to quote)
be an instrument (refer to quote)

I also wrote “Develop and Increase in Compassion” on the center back of the heart.

As you open the heart (which increases in size), discuss the ways in which prayer, opening our eyes and being an instrument in the Lord’s hands help our compassion to increase.

You could also make this fun treat to leave with the sisters you visit. Cindy from Skip to My Lou explains here how to melt mini candy canes and stick together into hearts. Cute!

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5 Responses to Develop and Increase in Compassion

  1. Anonymous says:

    Very clever! It's not my turn to give the message this month, but I'm going to ask my partner if I can now! This will be so much more effective! Thanks for sharing!

  2. Cindy says:

    What a wonderfully effective teaching message.

  3. Anonymous says:

    This is the part of the message that struck me the most too. What a sweet way of teaching this message. Thank you!

  4. Brandon and Sara says:

    That was my favorite quote! Thanks for making that. It is perfect.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Love your blog! Thanks for all your effort and time in sharing your fantastic Ideas.
    Being a convert I have always been reluctant to give the lesson. Now I'm anxious to see what you have for next month's VT. You truly are a great example and instrument of the Lord….LB of Smithfield,Utah

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