"Where Much Is Given Much Is Required"

Clara Curtis (American, 2003)
Girls Licking Syrup (2025)
Oil on Canvas, 16x20
Artists website
Used with permission of the artist

“My dad would make us pancakes a lot growing up,” says the artist Clara Curtis. “Every time we would sit for a few minutes after just licking all the syrup off our plates.” Doctrine and Covenants 82:3 reminds us that “unto whom much is given much is required.” This syrupy scene invites us to reflect on our own abundance: not just of food, but of love, gospel truth, spiritual gifts, and divine promises. How do we “lick the plate clean” of those blessings—receiving them fully with gratitude—and how do we then turn outward to serve others? The Lord's commandments and covenants are not just about obedience, but about how we love, lift, and nourish one another with what we’ve received.

Gospel Questions

1. It can be extrapolated from the Lord's direction to Frederick G. Williams in D&C 81 that the overarching instruction for all callings in the Church ("the office which I have appointed unto you") is to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees" (D&C 81:5; see also D&C 82;5). How can you specifically apply this instruction to your "calling" as a Latter-day Saint? How do these instructions align with your baptismal covenants?

2. In Section 82, Jesus teaches us that within the Bishop's Storehouse are not just physical things, but also our talents (D&C 82:18). How have you used your talents to bless someone in need?

3. Jesus explains that we should "leave judgement alone" with Him, "for it is mine," and follows with the blessing "peace be with you" (D&C 82:23). How does leaving judgement to Jesus "alone" bring us peace?

For Children & Youth

This painting shows the artist Clara and her older sister as kids. They are loving every last bite of breakfast. It’s funny and familiar—but also a little symbolic. God gives us so many good things—food, family, love, peace, truth. He even gives us jobs to do and people to help! Our gifts from God—from snacks to smiles to scriptures—are meant to be shared. Like those girls at the table, we can enjoy the blessings. But we can also pass them on.

Gospel Questions

1. Jesus speaks of "in prayer always, vocally and in thy heart" (D&C 81:3). What kinds of things do you pray for in your heart?

2. In giving direction, Jesus says "what I say unto one I say unto all" (D&C 82:5) and "you are to be equal" (D&C 82:17). After reading these passages, do you think Jesus has favorites? How does this make you feel about yourself?

3. The Lord keeps His promises: "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise" (D&C 82:10). Why is integrity so important?

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