Relief Society · Elders Quorum · 25 minutes
Elder Christian C. Chigbundu · Of the Seventy · Saturday Afternoon Session
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Small, daily habits like scripture study and prayer build spiritual immunity, so that when trials come we have the strength and courage to stand, even when the burden is not removed.
Skip a full discussion of the sacrament and covenants. Name them briefly near the end so the class has time to talk about scripture study and prayer.
Before Sunday
Sunday: Elder Chigbundu on spiritual immunity
This Sunday we will discuss Elder Christian C. Chigbundu's October 2026 talk "Spiritual Immunity." He compares the habits that protect us spiritually to the body's immune system: daily scripture study, prayer, the sacrament, and covenants. He teaches that these small and simple things give us strength before hard times come (Alma 37:6). Ponder: Which small habit has carried you through a hard season, even when you didn't notice it working?
Pick one opening
During the 2020 pandemic, health experts kept using one word: immunity. Your immune system works best when it is built up before you get sick. Elder Chigbundu applied that idea to our spiritual lives. Ask: What is the difference between getting ready for a trial before it comes and trying to find strength once you are already in it?
During the 2020 pandemic, health experts kept using one word: immunity. Your immune system works best when it is built up before you get sick. Elder Chigbundu applied that idea to our spiritual lives. Ask: What is the difference between getting ready for a trial before it comes and trying to find strength once you are already in it?
While Elder Chigbundu was serving as a mission leader, a new missionary cried in his first interview and asked to go home. He admitted he had no testimony of the Book of Mormon. Elder Chigbundu bore his testimony and encouraged him to study the scriptures. The missionary and his trainer made a daily study plan. Later he wrote that daily study had helped him understand his purpose, and he no longer wanted to go home.
Elder Chigbundu asked his listeners to think about what keeps them awake at night or weighs on their minds. Invite everyone to think of an answer silently, without sharing it. Then ask: When something like that is weighing on you, what helps you keep going from one day to the next?
Teach this first
Elder Chigbundu teaches that small, daily acts like scripture study and prayer build our spiritual immunity (Alma 37:6). Scripture study helps us come to know the Lord, and the Savior promises that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63). Trials may stay, but the Lord strengthens us to carry them (Mosiah 24:14–15).
Elder Chigbundu taught that the burden we carry may not always be removed, but our backs will be built to carry the load placed upon them (see Mosiah 24:14–15).
Ask the class
If time remains
Elder Chigbundu teaches that as we remember the Savior and keep our sacrament promises during the week, our lives are gradually reshaped. Our "Why me?" questions are replaced by "What can I learn, and what can I change?"
Ask the class
Counsel together
Last 3–5 minutes
This week, choose one small habit from Elder Chigbundu's talk, such as daily scripture study, sincere prayer, or pondering "What would He have me do?" during the sacrament, and do it every day.
Elder Chigbundu promised that as we pray in faith, our spiritual immunity will be strengthened, and our backs will be built to carry the load placed upon them.
Your witness: Think of a time when a small, steady habit such as prayer or scripture study helped you through a hard time. Share it briefly, then say what you know about the Savior drawing near to those who seek Him.