Why Is Agency an Important Part of God’s Plan?

The Relief Society president or Young Women class president (or one of their counselors) asks questions like the following to help sisters share experiences:

• What impressed us from last Sunday’s discussion? What did we do because of those thoughts and feelings?

• What have we learned and taught about agency in our homes?

The teacher uses one of the activities below or a related idea from Come, Follow Me for individuals and families to help sisters understand the importance of agency. In Relief Society, the president or a counselor leads the discussion. In Young Women, the Young Women president, a counselor, an adviser, or occasionally a young woman leads.

What is agency? Invite each sister to individually read “Agency and Accountability” on pages 2–3 in For the Strength of Youth (2011) or the scripture passages on page 39 of Come, Follow Me for individuals and families. Ask the sisters to share what impresses them. How have our choices shaped our lives? What experiences have strengthened our understanding of agency?

Why is agency important to God? What do we learn about the importance of agency in the plan of salvation from Moses 7:28–33? How do we feel about Heavenly Father as we read these verses? As a group, read 2 Nephi 2:11–13, 26–29 or watch the video “Free Forever, to Act for Themselves” (LDS.org) and share insights.

How can we safeguard our own freedom and the freedom of others? Moroni fought to defend the freedom of his people, including their religious freedom (see Alma 46:11–20, 34–37; 48:7–20). What effect did Moroni’s actions have? Ask a few sisters during the week to complete the religious freedom banner activity on page 38 of Come, Follow Me for individuals and families. They could also display their banners and share how religious freedom blesses us.

The Relief Society president or Young Women class president (or one of their counselors) concludes the meeting by counseling with sisters about how they can act on what they are learning:

• What can we do to protect and defend religious freedom, including for people not of our faith?

• What impressions have we had during the meeting? What will we do to act on our impressions?