As a Little Child by Jeffrey R. Holland

Relief Society Study Guide: "As a Little Child"

The full talk can be found here.

"I testify that babies and children and youth are images of the kingdom of God flourishing on earth in all of its strength and beauty."

🕊️ “As a Little Child” — Study Guide for Relief Society & Priesthood

Speaker: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Conference: April 2025 General Conference

Theme: Coming unto Christ through childlike humility and trust

🌿 Introduction

In “As a Little Child,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland draws a vivid picture of the Savior’s invitation to return to Him with a childlike heart. Through touching personal stories, scripture references, and gentle warnings against pride, Elder Holland teaches that traits like humility, trust, and simplicity are not optional—they are essential to spiritual maturity and salvation.

🗝️ Key Quote 1

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

📖 Matthew 18:3–4; quoted in the talk

✨ Study Prompt: Reflect on how humility, trust, and dependence are connected to spiritual conversion.

💬 Discussion Questions:

• What does conversion mean in the context of becoming like a little child?

• How might humility shape the way we seek revelation?

🗝️ Key Quote 2

“The natural man is an enemy to God, … and will be, forever and ever, unless he … becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, … humble, … full of love…”

📖 Mosiah 3:19; quoted by Elder Holland in reference to King Benjamin

✨ Study Prompt: Compare the attributes listed in this verse to your current habits and behaviors.

💬 Discussion Questions:

• What is one childlike characteristic that you feel prompted to work on?

• How does the Atonement enable us to become more like a child spiritually?

🗝️ Key Quote 3

“What was Jesus teaching when He called down heavenly fire and protective angels to surround those children, commanding the adults to ‘behold [their] little ones’?”

📖 3 Nephi 17; referenced in the talk

✨ Study Prompt: What is the difference between “beholding” and simply noticing someone?

💬 Discussion Questions:

• How can we better behold our children or the childlike people in our lives?

• What does this teach us about Christ’s priorities and how we should lead?

🗝️ Key Quote 4

“Children really do love Him, and that love can carry over into their other relationships in the playground of life.”

✨ Study Prompt: Consider how your own love for the Savior influences your interactions with others.

💬 Discussion Questions:

• When was a time you witnessed pure, Christlike love in a child?

• How can we rekindle that pure love in adulthood?

🗝️ Key Quote 5

“As a rule, even in their youngest years, children love so easily, they forgive so readily, they laugh so delightfully that even the coldest, hardest heart can melt.”

✨ Study Prompt: Reflect on the healing and disarming power of a child’s faith and joy.

💬 Discussion Questions:

• How can we bring more of that light into our homes and classes?

• When has a child’s example softened your heart?

🗝️ Key Quote 6 (Story Highlight)

“[Easton Jolley] stretched up as high as he could and placed his tray on the surface above the handrail. … Then, sitting down on one of the higher steps, with both hands he pulled his right leg up … and so on … to the summit of his personal three-step Mount Everest.”

✨ Study Prompt: Read this story in full and identify the parallels to Christ’s sacrifice and humility.

💬 Discussion Questions:

• How does Easton’s story deepen your understanding of quiet, sacred strength?

• In what ways can we honor the faith of those around us with unseen challenges?

✍️ Extended Reading & Teaching References

To further enrich your study or lesson:

• 3 Nephi 17 – Christ’s ministry to the children in the Americas
  
  

• Mosiah 3:19 – The transformation required by the Atonement
  
  

• Matthew 18:1–5 – Christ teaches who is greatest in the kingdom
  
  

• Talks to pair with this one:
  
  

  • “Become as a Little Child” – Jean A. Stevens
    
    

  • “To Be Like a Child” – Jean B. Bingham
    
    

💗 Wrap-Up Reflection

Elder Holland’s powerful testimony culminates in these words:

“Sisters and brothers and friends, at the top of the list of the most beautiful images I know are babies and children and youth as conscientious and priceless as those we have referred to today. I testify that they are images of the kingdom of God flourishing on earth…”

As we strive to emulate their trust, courage, and humility, we too draw nearer to Christ and His kingdom. Let’s become as little children—not naïve, but faithful. Not timid, but trusting. That we may be ready to stand in His presence when He calls us home.

You can click on the images below to download or download the Printable PDF here.

LDS childlike faith and discipleship