Jeremiah 31–33; 36–38; Lamentations 1; 3: Lesson 136
Lamentations 1; 3
“His Compassions Fail Not”
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Because the Savior is filled with compassion, He is willing to heal, comfort, and forgive, even when we sin against Him. The children of Israel experienced this time and time again. This lesson can help you feel the Savior’s compassion for you, even when you sin.
Study the Scriptures
Imagine a young man has done his best to make good choices in his life. One day while attending a party, he gives into peer pressure and drinks alcohol because he wants to fit in. The next morning, he wakes up feeling alone, guilty, and frustrated. He slowly begins making other poor choices and starts losing hope for his future.
When people sin, how might they see or feel about themselves? How might they see or feel about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
It is important to remember that we all sin and “come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). As you study Lamentations today, look for impressions from the Holy Ghost that can help you recognize how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ feel about you, even when you make mistakes.
For about 40 years, the Lord told Jeremiah to prophesy that Jerusalem would be destroyed if the people did not repent (see Jeremiah 16:1–13). The people did not repent. Eventually, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. They took many people captive, fulfilling the Lord’s prophesy (see Jeremiah 52). Sometime after Jerusalem was destroyed, Jeremiah recorded the book of Lamentations.
Read one or more of the following passages. Mark words or phrases that express how Jeremiah felt because of his people’s sins.
Knowing Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us, why do you think They allow us to experience suffering when we sin?
Read one or more of the following passages, looking for possible answers to the previous question.
Heavenly Father allows us to feel guilty when we fail to keep His commandments. These feelings of guilt can motivate us to repent.
Satan inspires shame. He would have you feel worthless because of your sins. But you are not worthless! God loves you. You will always be of great worth to Him. He wants you to repent and return to Him. You get to choose how you respond to feelings of guilt and shame.
Think back to the young man at the beginning of the lesson. Read Lamentations 3:22–26, 31–33, looking for words or phrases that could help him. Make a note next to these verses with the truth “The Lord has compassion for us, even when we sin.”
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
How is Jesus Christ an example of true compassion?
Study one of the following stories that demonstrate the Savior’s compassion. Mark what the Savior said or did that shows His compassion for others.
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John 8:3–11 (A woman is caught in sin)
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John 11:32–44 (The death of Lazarus)
Read the following passages about the Savior’s compassion. Link each to the story you chose to study or tag them with “Christ’s compassion.”
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated:
Perhaps some may even have wondered, “Is it even possible to go back? Will I be labeled forever, rejected, and avoided by my former friends? Is it better to just stay lost? How will God react if I try to return?” …
Our Heavenly Father will run to us, His heart overflowing with love and compassion. …
Heaven will rejoice at our return. (“The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 88)
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
The Savior’s compassion in the face of our imperfections draws us toward Him and motivates us in our repeated struggles to repent and emulate Him. (“Our Good Shepherd,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 29)
In your notebook, write an encouraging note to the young man from the beginning of the lesson.
Option B
How can godly sorrow help me feel the Savior’s compassion?
The Apostle Paul explained that “godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation … but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Corinthians 7:9–10).
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then of the First Presidency, explained:
Godly sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Worldly sorrow pulls us down, extinguishes hope, and persuades us to give in to further temptation.
Godly sorrow leads to conversion and a change of heart. It causes us to hate sin and love goodness. It encourages us to stand up and walk in the light of Christ’s love. True repentance is about transformation, not torture or torment. Yes, heartfelt regret and true remorse for disobedience are often painful and very important steps in the sacred process of repentance. But when guilt leads to self-loathing or prevents us from rising up again, it is impeding rather than promoting our repentance. (“You Can Do It Now!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 56)
Read the following passages, looking for examples of godly or worldly sorrow. Notice the people’s intent and what happens because of their godly or worldly sorrow. You may want to tag these passages as “godly sorrow” or “worldly sorrow,” depending on what you find.
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Mormon 2:11–14 (Nephites in Mormon’s day)
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Alma 36:13, 16–20 (Alma the Younger)
In your notebook, respond to the following questions:
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What did you learn about godly sorrow and worldly sorrow?
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How can godly sorrow help you recognize the Savior’s compassion toward you?
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you feel the Savior’s compassion for you, even when you sin.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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The encouraging note you wrote the young man.
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Your understanding of godly sorrow and recognition of the Lord’s compassion.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?