Inspriation: The Atonement

A few weeks ago I taught the Relief Society lesson on the Word of Wisdom. Normally, this would be a pretty easy lesson. Everyone knows the Word of Wisdom and in most wards the people who come to church don't really struggle with alcohol or drug addictions. However, I live in a branch with church members who are finding their way back to the church. Several of the people who attend church are still working on being able to live the Word of Wisdom.

I didn't know how to teach the lesson until I decided the talk about the atonement. We started out by reading Alma 7: 11-12.

11And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Then we talked about how even though Jesus Christ was not a smoker, through the miracle of the atonement, he knows what it feels like to be addicted to cigarettes.

The lesson went really well and I hope that the people in the class learned that Jesus Christ can help them through their problems.