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I Have Loved You

Malachi’s back-and-forth with a weary people ends the Old Testament with a promise: Elijah will come and turn hearts

  • 📖 Adult Sunday School
  • Week 51
  • 📅 Sunday, December 20, 2026
💡 The big idea

The Lord loves us and keeps inviting us to return with our real best, and through the keys Elijah restored He turns our hearts to our families, living and dead, and seals them to Him.

I can answer the Lord’s love by returning to Him with my best, and turn my heart toward one family member, living or dead, before the year ends.

Come, Follow Me manualOpen this week (Malachi)
Know the chapters

Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament. It was written some decades after the second temple was finished, probably around Nehemiah’s time. The thrill of rebuilding had worn off. In Malachi 1:8 and 13, priests offer blind, lame and sick animals and call it all a weariness. In 3:8 people hold back tithes. In 2:14 men deal treacherously with the wives of their youth. Nehemiah 13:10–12 and 23–27 describe the same problems. Malachi’s name means “my messenger.” His book is built like an argument. The Lord says something. The people push back with “Wherein?” Then the Lord answers. You’ll see it in 1:2, 1:6–7, 2:17 and 3:7–8. It opens in 1:2 with “I have loved you.” The reply is basically, “Prove it.”

Look for the Savior throughout. The Lord will send His messenger to prepare the way. In 3:1, “the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple.” In Matthew 11:10, Jesus named that messenger as John the Baptist. In 3:2–3 He comes like a refiner’s fire. He sits patiently, like a refiner of silver. In 3:16 those who feared the Lord “spake often one to another.” A book of remembrance was written for them. In 4:2, for those who fear His name, “the Sun of righteousness” will “arise with healing in his wings.” The Savior taught Malachi 3 and 4 to the Nephites, because the Father commanded it. That’s 3 Nephi 24 and 25.

The Old Testament ends with a promise in Malachi 4:5–6. The Lord will send Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. He’ll turn the hearts of the fathers and the children to each other. Moroni visited Joseph Smith in 1823 and quoted it differently. The Lord would reveal the priesthood by the hand of Elijah. He would plant in the children’s hearts the promises made to the fathers. See Joseph Smith—History 1:36–39 and Doctrine and Covenants 2. On April 3, 1836, the Savior appeared in the Kirtland Temple and accepted it. Then Elijah came. He gave the keys of this dispensation’s sealing power to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. That’s Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16. It was Easter Sunday, during Passover. Jewish families have long hoped for Elijah’s return at Passover.

Twenty-five minutes goes quickly, and this is the last Sunday before Christmas. Walk through Malachi 3 in three short stops and finish with 4:1–2. Let one honest talk about turning hearts carry the rest. The Lord speaks in almost every verse, so you read. Be tender with the turning-hearts discussion. Some people have painful or broken family ties. Some have no family in the Church, no spouse or children, or a loss this year. Turning hearts includes ancestors and the people who raise and love us now. It includes the family the Lord will give us in His time.

Only have 5 minutes?

Read Malachi 3 in three short stops: verses 1–3, 6–10 and 13–17. Then read Malachi 4:1–2. Open with the “Prove it” question about the Lord’s love. Ask one question after each stop. Study Malachi 4:5–6 with Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16. Give the most time to Hearts Turned. Close by inviting everyone to turn toward one family member, living or dead, before the year ends.

What to bring2 items

Tick what you have. Forgot something? Every step that needs a supply has a no-supplies version in the plan below.

Before class

  1. Read Malachi straight through. It’s four short chapters. Then read Joseph Smith—History 1:38–39 and Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16. Be ready to explain in a sentence how Malachi’s promise came true.
  2. Think of one family member, living or dead, whose story shaped your faith. If the room is quiet, you’ll tell it in under a minute.

Discussion tips

  • Quiet class? Family can be tender ground. Wait a little longer than feels comfortable, then tell your own short family story first.
  • One question catches fire? Stay with it. A great discussion doesn’t cover every question. Let the rest go.
  • One voice filling every pause? Thank them warmly, then say, “Let’s hear from someone who hasn’t had a chance yet.”
  • Family is tender ground, especially at Christmas. Don’t assume everyone has a happy family, a spouse, children or members at home. Elder Renlund’s words about sealing and healing “despite tragedy, loss, and hardship” are a gentle bridge. Turning hearts can start with one ancestor or one phone call.
  • Tithing is in Malachi 3, and tithing declaration is near. Keep any tithing talk about faith and blessings, never amounts. Never single anyone out.
  • Visitors or new members? Malachi is short, but family history and temples may be new. Explain words like “sealing” plainly. Never ask anyone to read aloud without checking first.

The 25-minute plan25 min + bonus

Bonus steps are for when you have extra time. Each “On the screen” line is what the class sees on a shared screen in Teach Mode in the Gospel Sparks app; on paper, read it aloud or write it on the board.

1. Hook

Prove It

3 min

Opens with Malachi’s first exchange and turns it into a year-end look at the Lord’s love.

  1. SAY“Imagine telling someone, ‘I love you,’ and hearing back, ‘Oh really? Prove it.’ That’s how the last book of the Old Testament begins.”
  2. Read Malachi 1:2, “I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us?”
  3. Ask, “As this year ends, where have you seen evidence of the Lord’s love for you?” Take three or four answers.
  4. SAY“Malachi is full of the people’s ‘Wherein?’ and the Lord’s patient answers. Let’s listen in.”

On the screen: ❤️ Where have you seen evidence of the Lord’s love for you this year? · Malachi 1:2

2. Story

Malachi in Four Short Stops

9 min

Walks through Malachi 3 and into chapter 4 a few verses at a time, from the refiner to the book of remembrance to the Sun of righteousness, with one question at each stop.

  1. SAY“We’ll walk through Malachi 3 and the start of chapter 4 in four short readings. Listen for the people’s ‘Wherein?’ and the Lord’s answers.”
  2. Show one scene at a time. Give the one-line setup, then read the passage yourself. The Lord speaks in almost every verse.
  3. After each reading, ask the scene’s question and take two or three answers. Keep each stop about two minutes.
  4. After the last reading, let the quiet sit for a few seconds.

On the screen: 💬 Malachi: the Lord’s love, the people’s “Wherein?”, and the promise of Elijah · Four short readings: 3:1–3 · 3:6–10 · 3:13–17 · 4:1–2

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: The shared screen (TV or device) with Teach Mode open

  1. SAY“We’ll walk through Malachi in four short readings. Listen for the people’s ‘Wherein?’ and the Lord’s answers.”
  2. Read 3:1–3, 3:6–10, 3:13–17 and 4:1–2 yourself. Give each setup in your own words first.
  3. After each reading, ask the scene’s question aloud and take two or three answers. Keep each stop about two minutes.
3. Scripture

The Promise Kept

4 min

Studies Malachi 4:5–6 closely and shows how the Old Testament’s last promise was kept in the Restoration.

  1. SAY“The Old Testament ends with a promise.”
  2. Read Malachi 4:5–6 while the class follows on the screen.
  3. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:38–39. Moroni quotes these verses in 1823, worded differently. Ask, “What do you notice in his wording?”
  4. Read Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16. Elijah came to the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836, and gave the sealing keys.
  5. Ask, “Why does it matter to you that those keys are on the earth today?”

On the screen: 🗝️ Elijah came, the keys were given, and hearts are turning. · Malachi 4:5–6 · Joseph Smith—History 1:38–39 · Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16

4. Talk it over

Hearts Turned

6 min

Applies Elijah’s promise to our families, living and dead, with tenderness for every family situation.

  1. SAY“Elijah came so hearts could turn both ways, toward those before us and those after us. Let’s talk about what that looks like in real families.”
  2. Pick two or three questions. Ask one, wait, then ask its follow-up before you move on.
  3. Before the last question, share Elder Renlund’s words from “From general conference” below. If the room is quiet, tell your own family story first.
💬 Ask the class
  • What has turned your heart toward an ancestor, or toward your family? Maybe a story, a temple visit, a name or a person. Follow-up: What changed in you afterward?
  • Not every family relationship is easy. Where have you seen the Lord heal or turn hearts where family has been painful? Follow-up: What part did you have to play?
  • Moroni said the promises made to the fathers would be planted in the hearts of the children. What faith or promises have you inherited? Follow-up: What do you hope to pass on?
  • For some, family means ward members, friends or ancestors never met. How has the Lord given you family in unexpected places? Follow-up: Who might need you to be that for them?
  • Think of your family, living or dead. Who might the Lord be inviting you to turn toward before the year ends? Follow-up: What is one small step?

On the screen: 👨‍👩‍👧 He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the children to their fathers. · Malachi 4:6

5. Testimony

Healing in His Wings

3 min

Ends the Old Testament year with testimony of Jesus Christ, the Sun of righteousness, and an invitation for Christmas week.

  1. SAY“The Old Testament ends looking forward to the One who comes with healing. Would one or two of you share what you learned about Him this year?”
  2. Bear a short testimony. Jesus Christ is the Sun of righteousness. He heals and binds families through His sealing power.
  3. Invite: “Before the year ends, turn your heart toward one family member, living or dead. Call, write a letter, record a story, or take a name to the temple.”

On the screen: ☀️ Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings. · Malachi 4:2 · Before the year ends: turn your heart toward one family member.

6. Talk it over

Wherein?

4 minBONUS

Helps adults recognize their own “Wherein?” and what returning with our best looks like.

  1. SAY“Every time the Lord speaks in Malachi, the people push back: ‘Wherein?’ Let’s be honest about our own.”
  2. Ask one or two questions with follow-ups, then close on time.
💬 Ask the class
  • One pushback is “Wherein hast thou loved us?” Another is “what a weariness is it!” A third is “It is vain to serve God.” Which sounds most like something a good person might feel? Follow-up: What helps you move past it?
  • In chapter 1, verse 8, the priests give the Lord their leftovers. What does giving Him our real best look like for busy adults? Follow-up: What’s one thing you could give Him first, instead of last?
  • Chapter 3, verse 7 says, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” When has the Lord met you partway after you turned back? Follow-up: What would you say to someone who feels they’ve gone too far?

On the screen: 💬 “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” “Wherein shall we return?” · Malachi 1:2, 8, 13; 3:7, 14

Read it together

“Wherein?”

Malachi 3:1–3; Malachi 3:6–10; Malachi 3:13–17; Malachi 4:1–2 ↗

Scenes

  1. 🔥 Like a refiner’s fire

    Chapters 1 and 2 are an argument. The Lord says, “I have loved you.” The people answer, “Wherein?” Priests offer blind and lame animals. And they sigh, “what a weariness is it!” Now read Malachi 3, verses 1 to 3. Notice that the refiner “shall sit.”

    💬 Ask: The Lord pictures Himself as a refiner who sits close to the fire. Why do you think He chose that picture? Follow-up: When have you felt refined rather than punished?

  2. ↩️ “Return unto me, and I will return”

    In verses 4 and 5, the Lord promises to judge oppressors. They oppress the hireling, the widow and the fatherless. Now read verses 6 to 10. Listen for the people’s two questions. “Wherein shall we return?” And, “Wherein have we robbed thee?”

    💬 Ask: The Lord answers “Wherein shall we return?” with something specific. Why do you think He’s so concrete? Follow-up: What specific step has helped you return?

  3. 📖 A book of remembrance

    In verses 11 and 12, the Lord promises to rebuke the devourer. He says “all nations shall call you blessed.” Now read verses 13 to 17. Some say, “It is vain to serve God.” Others “spake often one to another.” And the Lord listened, and wrote their names down.

    💬 Ask: What happens in us when we talk with each other about the Lord? Follow-up: Who has done that for you when serving Him felt vain?

  4. ☀️ Healing in His wings

    In verse 18, the Lord promises the difference between the righteous and the wicked will become clear. Now read chapter 4, verses 1 and 2. First come fire and stubble. Then the gentlest image in the book: “the Sun of righteousness,” rising “with healing in his wings.”

    💬 Ask: Healing that comes like a sunrise is gradual. Where have you felt the Savior heal something slowly this year?

Key verse

Malachi 4:5–6 ↗
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”
In plain words: The Lord promised to send Elijah to bind families together across the generations. Elijah came to the Kirtland Temple in 1836 and restored the sealing keys, and hearts are still turning.

More verses

Malachi 1:2 ↗
“I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us?”
In plain words: The Lord begins with His love. The people ask Him to prove it, and He patiently answers.
Malachi 3:7 ↗
“Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?”
In plain words: When we turn back to the Lord, He turns back to us. He is willing to tell us exactly how.
Malachi 3:16 ↗
“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.”
In plain words: When faithful people talk to each other about the Lord, He listens, and He remembers them.

From general conference

“God, in His infinite capacity, seals and heals individuals and families despite tragedy, loss, and hardship.”

— Elder Dale G. Renlund, “Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing,” April 2018

Share in Hearts Turned, before the last question.

Read the talk ↗

Songs

  • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hymns, no. 209

    The last Sunday before Christmas. This carol borrows Malachi’s image of the Sun of righteousness rising with healing. Find it ↗

  • The Spirit of God Hymns, no. 2

    Sung at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, where Elijah later came and restored the sealing keys. Find it ↗

This week’s invitation

Turn One Heart

Before the year ends, turn your heart toward one family member, living or dead. Call a relative you haven’t talked to in a while. Write down a family story, find a name on FamilySearch, or take a name to the temple. Then add one entry to your own “book of remembrance.” Write one way the Lord showed you His love this year.

Take it home

In Sunday School we finished the Old Testament with Malachi. The Lord began with “I have loved you” in Malachi 1:2. He ended in 4:5–6 with a promise to send Elijah. Elijah would turn the hearts of fathers and children to each other. That came true in the Kirtland Temple in 1836. At home, share a family story at dinner this week. Ask everyone which ancestor they’d like to know more about.

📝 After class

What worked? Who needs a check-in this week? Jot it here on a printed copy, or in the app’s private class notes.

Got extra time?

🔥 The Refiner Sits · 4 min

  1. Read Malachi 3:2–3.
  2. Point out that the refiner “shall sit.” Refining silver takes patient attention. The refiner stays close to the heat.
  3. Ask, “What does it mean to you that the Lord sits with us while He refines us, instead of walking away?”

💍 Have We Not All One Father? · 4 min

  1. Read Malachi 2:10, then 2:14–16. The Lord calls a man’s wife his companion and “the wife of thy covenant.”
  2. Ask, “What does it mean to treat marriage as a covenant with God, not just a contract?” Follow-up: “What about every family relationship?”
  3. Be sensitive to single, divorced and widowed class members. Covenant faithfulness applies to everyone.

📜 Our Old Testament Year · 5 min

  1. SAY“We started in January with the Creation. Now we end with Malachi.”
  2. Go around the room. Each person names the Old Testament story or verse that meant the most to them this year, in one sentence.
  3. Close by pointing out how many of them pointed to Jesus Christ.

🪟 The Windows of Heaven · 4 min

  1. Read Malachi 3:10–12. Point out “prove me now herewith.” It’s one of the few places the Lord invites us to test Him.
  2. Explain that tithing is one-tenth of our increase, from Doctrine and Covenants 119:4. Keep it about faith and blessings, never amounts.
  3. Ask, “What blessings from tithing have you noticed that weren’t about money?”

Sources

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version, the Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tap or click a reference to open it in Gospel Library. Start with the official Come, Follow Me manual; these ideas are here to help it come alive.

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