Chapter 14: A Kingdom Torn in Two
Timeless Truth: God detests idol worshippers.
Bible Basis: 1 Kings 12:1–33; 14:22–23, 26–28; 15:11–24, 16:29-33
Key Verse: “Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (1 Kings 15:11).
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity encourages your family to think seriously about modern-day idols. The Extra Mile takes your family to a song that talks about God and explains why only he is worthy of worship.
Get the Point:
Preschool: God uses bad things to teach his people. I can learn from mistakes.
Elementary: God uses bad things to teach his people. I can learn from mistakes.
Middle School: When you follow the lie that God can’t give you what you need, it’s easy to turn to idols.
High School: Idol worship isn’t limited to golden cows; many things can pull your attention away from God.
Table Talk
Preschool/Elementary
- The people of Judah started fighting against Israel and decided to start their own country. Have you ever had two of your friends fight and decide not to be friends anymore?
- What happened because of this fight?
- Was there a way your friends could’ve settled their differences better?
- In the midst of all these bad kings in Israel and Judah, Asa became king of Judah and “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (1 Kings 15:11). Do you think it was hard for him to do good things when everybody around him was making bad choices?
- Tell about a time when others were making poor choices and you decided to follow God. Was it hard? How did it make you feel?
Middle/High School
- Proverbs 13:20 says, “Anyone who walks with wise people grows wise. But a companion of foolish people suffers harm.” Rehoboam’s dad, Solomon, wrote those words. But Rehoboam must’ve been spacing out when Solomon said them, because instead of listening to the counsel of wise elders, Rehoboam listened to his friends when it came to the treatment of the people of Judah. His friends encouraged Rehoboam to tell Jeroboam that bigger whips would be used to beat them. (That’s not a good way to make friends.) Jeroboam went back and split off a new country, Judah, where he was king. What do you think was Rehoboam’s biggest mistake?
- Could Judah splitting from Israel been prevented?
- Have you ever listened to your friends instead of your parents? (Note: Parents you can share a story here, too, from your growing up years.)
- Do you think Solomon’s advice in Proverbs 13:20 is true?
Living Faith
You don’t run into a lot of golden cow worshipers at church these days. But the problem of idols still plagues God followers. Anything that comes before God in your life could be an idol, especially if you look to that thing for comfort or satisfaction. Have all family members fill out the chart to see how they spend their time. At the end, answer some questions to see if any idols have crept into your daily life.
On average how much time each day do you spend doing these things?
Activity Time Spent?
- Watching TV
- Playing Video Games
- Texting/ talking on the phone
- Reading Bible and praying
- Shopping
- Being on the Computer
None of the activities are in and of themselves sinful; however, if they consume all your time and pull you away from God, they could become an idol. In today’s society money, fame, possessions, career advancement, popularity and other things rule people’s lives. Ask:
- What area in your life do you think has the greatest possibility of becoming an idol?
- How can you prevent that from happening?
- What changes can you make in your schedule to show God that he’s first in your life?
Extra Mile
Only the one true God is worthy of our worship. King Solomon opened the door to idol worship, and then Israel and Judah forsook the Lord to follow false gods.
Watch the “I will worship You – Matthew Ward.” Have a pencil and paper ready. Write down all of the characteristics of God mentioned in the song. “My God is faithful, truthful...”
- Think about the things people worship today (fame, money, etc.). Can any of those things boast the same characteristics that God possesses?
- One of the lines says, “I will worship you for the things you’ve done in me.” Have family members share something the Lord has done in them.
- Deuteronomy 6:13 says, “Worship the Lord your God. He is the only one you should serve.” Write that verse on an index card and stick it on the refrigerator. Encourage everybody in your family to memorize it this week. Plan something fun as a family if everybody accomplishes this goal.
Lent begins February 22nd. What are you giving up (or taking on) this year?
could you go beyond simply giving up chocolate or coffee and instead, give up something coming between you and God - or take up a spiritual practice to bring you closer to him?
Here are some resources to help you and your family connect in deeper discipleship this Lent:
- Lent 2023 Resources from the Qld Synod
- Uniting World Lent Event
- 15 Ideas to Observe Lent (beyond giving up chocolate)
- Devotional for Ash Wednesday
- Prepare Your Heart for Easter (40-day Lenten Devotional)
- How Can 40 Days Renew and Refocus Your Heart?
Chapter 13: The King Who Had It All
Timeless Truth: God’s faithful love continues forever.
Bible Basis: 1 Kings 3:1-15, 4:29-30, Proverbs 3:1-18, 2 Chronicles 6:12-7:3, 2 Chronicles 9:1-8, 1 Kings 11:9-13
Key Verse: “Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Have respect for the LORD” (Proverbs 3:7).
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity will give your family a glimpse of what it was like when God’s presence filled the temple. The Extra Mile takes your family on a digital video tour of Solomon’s temple. Plus, you can get to know Proverbs.
Get the Point:
Preschool: God made Solomon a wise leader. God can make me wise, too.
Elementary: God made Solomon a wise leader. God can make me wise, too.
Middle School: Man’s wisdom—even Solomon’s—is limited. God’s love endures forever.
High School: Solomon was the wisest man alive, but he failed to follow his own godly teaching and that led to his downfall.
Table Talk
Preschool/Elementary
- God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered to give him anything he asked for. If God gave you the same offer, what would you ask for?
- Solomon asked for wisdom, so he could be a good king. Do you think that was a good request?
- God liked Solomon’s answer so much that he gave him wisdom, fame and money. What’s the best reward you’ve received for a good answer?
- If you could ask your parents to give you one thing, what would it be?
Middle/High School
- Solomon’s wisdom is legendary. Many of his saying can be found in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. He begins Proverbs by writing, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). What does that mean to you?
- Would your teachers and friends agree that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”?
- What would modern-day science say about that statement?
- Is Solomon’s wisdom out of date or does it still apply today? Why?
Living Faith
This activity requires a 20-ounce plastic bottle, warm water, vinegar and baking soda. It’s best to complete this activity outside or in a sink. As you watch the baking soda and vinegar react and fizz out of the bottle, think about what it would’ve been like to watch God’s presence come down and fill the temple.
Start by putting about two tablespoons of baking soda in the bottom of the bottle. Quickly add a ½ cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of warm water. Step back and watch the bottle fill with foam that bursts out of the top.
When Solomon prayed for the temple, God’s presence came down. Second Chronicles 7:2 says, “the priests couldn’t enter the temple of the Lord. His glory filled it.” Can you imagine God’s tangible presence filling a building? It was so powerful that people who witnessed it, dropped to their knees and worshiped God.
For a bonus activity after discussing God’s powerful presence at his temple, get a plastic zipper bag to demonstrate that God’s glory can’t be contained. Be careful as the bag will explode and may create a mess.
This time put a couple of tablespoons of baking soda in a paper towel and fold it up. Pour a ½ cup of vinegar and a ¼ cup of water into the plastic zipper bag. Drop in the paper towel and quickly zip the bag closed. Give a quick shake to start the reaction, then put the plastic bag on the ground and step away. The bag should puff up and pop with a loud bang.
Extra Mile
Idea #1:
Money wasn’t an issue for Solomon. God blessed him with such vast riches that the Bible says silver had little value in Solomon’s kingdom and that the king drank out of a gold goblet. So when Solomon built God’s temple, he spared no expense.
Even though Solomon had 180,000 workers and 4,000 supervisors on the project, the temple took seven years to complete. It was one of the most majestic structures of the day. Nearly 500 years after the Israelites left Egypt, God’s temple was complete.
Take a digital video tour of the temple by watching this video.” Read 1 Kings 6 as you watch.
- Did anything stand out to you in the video?
- Is there any part of the description of the temple that seems especially majestic?
- How does Solomon’s temple compare to your church?
- Does God’s presence still fill buildings today? (Look at Matthew 18:20 for an answer.)
Idea #2:
Read the Proverb that mirrors today’s date. (So if it’s the 10th, read Proverbs 10.) After you’re finished, have each family member discuss her favorite verse from what was just read. Encourage each person to memorize one verse from Proverbs. Try this for one day or do it all week!
Chapter 12: A King Makes Bad Choices / The Trials of a King
Timeless Truth: God is just . . . and forgiving.
Bible Basis: Psalm 51:1-12 5, 1 Chronicles 29:1-20, Psalm 23
Key Verse: “Wash away all of the evil things I've done. Make me pure from my sin” (Psalm 51:2).
The Story Chapter 12
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity will help your family understand the problem with sin (as you eat cookies). The Extra Mile exposes your family to two worship songs based on Psalm 51 and encourages you to get to know the Psalms.
Get the Point:
Preschool: God forgave David's sins. God forgives me when I'm sorry for doing wrong things.
Elementary: God forgave David's sins. God forgives me when I'm sorry for doing wrong things.
Middle School: David made huge mistakes. But when he asked God for forgiveness, David did it from the deepest part of his soul. God forgave David and used him in huge ways.
High School: David lived to the extreme. He messed up extremely bad, but also had a heart extremely committed to God. God loved and blessed David.
Table Talk:
Preschool/Elementary
- King David was called a man after God’s heart, but made a huge mistake and tried to cover it up. Is hiding sins ever a good idea? Why?
- The prophet Nathan came to let David know that God knew about David’s sin. David was totally embarrassed and felt awful. Have you ever sinned and tried to hide it? What happened? (As a parent, if you have a story to tell about your childhood, please share it here.)
- Talk about what it feels like when you’re trying to hide something bad that you’ve done. How does it make you feel?
- What wrong actions do you battle with the most? (Stealing, lying, anger.)
- What’s the best thing to do when you mess up?
Middle/High School
- God forgave David, but there were still consequences for his sin as David and Bathsheba’s first son died. Can you think of any consequences you’ve faced after doing something bad?
- Later, David’s son Absalom rebelled against him. Absalom was very proud of his hair, which ended up getting caught in a tree and led to his death (Can anyone say, “Pride comes before getting your hair stuck in a tree”?) Why is pride such a big deal to God?
- Are there any areas of pride that you need to look at in your life?
- Talk about some of David’s greatest accomplishments and mess-ups. What can you learn from his life?
Living Faith
You’ll need waxed paper, a tube of frosting, a rolling pin and sugar cookie dough for this activity. The slice-and-bake dough from the store will work or you can make dough the night before and have it chilling in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready, gather your family in the kitchen and ask: “Have you ever done something and then said, ‘I wish I could take that back’? David certainly did. Sometimes he did bonehead things and wished he could turn back time.”
Put out the waxed paper, tube of frosting and rolling pin. Ask for a volunteer. Have that family member try to get all the frosting out of the tube and onto the waxed paper. He can squeeze it, crush it and use the rolling pin on it. When he’s finished, say, “OK, now get all the frosting back in the tube.”
Just like it’s impossible to reverse time and take back sin, it’s impossible to get the frosting back in the tube. Talk about the importance of thinking before you act and trying to always follow God’s will and teaching with your words and actions. As you talk, take out the cookie dough. Roll and bake cookies, using the frosting to decorate them. Point out that God can use the mistakes in our life to make something sweet. God will always forgive when we honestly ask him for forgiveness. He wants us to serve him with our whole heart.
Extra Mile
Idea #1:
David did everything with gusto. He served God with passion, and when he messed up—he did it big time! After one especially painful mistake, David poured out his heart to God in Psalm 51.
Watch these two videos that feature songs based on Psalm 51.
“Create in Me a Clean Heart” by Keith Green
“Create in Me a Clean Heart” by Donnie McClurkin
- Are any specific lyrics especially meaningful to you?
- Have you ever journaled or written a poem about a time you’ve messed up? If it’s appropriate, share it with the family.
- How are these songs different?
Each person’s relationship with God is unique, because he knows our hearts. He knows what will work best to sculpt us to be more like him.
Idea #2:
Get to know the Psalms better by reading the one that corresponds to today’s date. Go the extra mile by reading all the Psalms that are multiples of the date (example: 17, 34, 51, 68, 85, 102, 119 (watch out for this one!) and 136. Do this for an entire week as a family.
Chapter 11: From Shepherd to King
Timeless Truth: Total trust in God brings great courage.
Bible Basis: 1 Samuel 16-17; Psalm 59:1-5, 9-10 and 16; 2 Samuel 2:1-6
Key Verse: “I am coming against you in the name of the Lord who rules over all” (1 Samuel 17:45).
Resource: The Story: Teen Edition, The Story for Kids/Children/Little Ones: Chapter 11
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity will help your family understand how God’s hand helped guide David’s stone. The Extra Mile encourages your family to watch classic “David versus Goliath” moments.
Get the Point:
Preschool: David fought in God's strength. God gives me courage when I am afraid.
Elementary: David fought in God’s strength. God gives me courage when I am afraid.
Middle/High School: David relied on God’s strength, not his own.
Table Talk
Preschool/Elementary
- Goliath’s enormous size (about 7 feet tall) and strength intimidated Israel’s army. Why wasn’t David afraid of this big bully?
- Would you have been afraid?
- Are there any bullies at school that scare you? What’s the best way to treat a bully? (Note: The correct answer isn’t to hit him in the head with a rock.)
- Saul thought David should fight Goliath in the traditional way and dressed David in his armor. Why was that a problem?
- How did David show faith by facing Goliath wearing his regular clothes and using rocks as a weapon?
Note: Young readers will enjoy hearing this story in the Jesus Storybook Bible on page 122.
Middle/High School
- In King Saul’s eyes, Goliath was a massive, immovable force. What are the Goliath’s in your life? In other words, what areas of your life do you need God’s power to help you overcome?
- Are there any things in your life that mock God? Maybe you’re focused more on video games than God. Perhaps it’s the music you listen to.
- How can you defeat these Goliaths?
- What’s the main lesson you walk away from after reading about David’s faith and trust in God?
Living Faith
How could a teenager defeat the greatest warrior of his era? Two words: God’s power. David trusted God to give him the strength to defeat Goliath. He knew he couldn’t defeat the ultimate soldier in his own power; David needed supernatural power, not to mention great aim.
Goliath was decked out in more than 125 pounds of armor. David probably weighed just a little more than that. Goliath had a 15-pound spear. David had five smooth stones. Odds were David would end up as a shish kabob. Instead Goliath ended up on his back.
Have your family practice its aim by playing this game. Collect eight to ten 2-liter plastic bottles. Put a couple of inches of water in the bottom of each bottle for stability and set them up as bowling pins. If you’re playing the game inside, take turns throwing a pillow at the pins. Each person gets one throw. Count how many pins are knocked down. If you play outside, take turns kicking a soccer ball at the pins. Play several rounds, keep a running score and declare a winner.
When you’re finished, talk about the difficulty of knocking down the pins. Now think how difficult it would’ve been for David to sling a stone into Goliath’s forehead. According to historians, military equipment was pretty advanced at this time. Goliath most likely wore a helmet with a thin slit or visor. The giant probably underestimated David and didn’t lower his visor or failed to wear a helmet. With God’s help, David made a perfect shot to give Israel the victory. Ask:
- Do you think people still underestimate God’s power today?
- What are some ways to show God’s power to the people around you?
Extra Mile
The contents of the Bible often make their way into the fabric of society. Nearly everyone knows the Golden Rule, which can be found in Luke 6:31. This week’s story also has made it into the English lexicon, especially when it comes to sports. Announcers love to talk about a “David versus Goliath” scenario as an underdog team faces a seemingly unbeatable opponent. The NCAA men’s basketball tournament, better known as March Madness, is famous for its upsets. Watch videos of two of the most well-known David-like victories.
The 1985 finals featured Georgetown and Villanova. Georgetown came into the game ranked No. 1 as the defending National Champion. Villanova was just an eight-seed and had already lost to Georgetown twice during the season. But the Wildcats shot an amazing 78.6 percent from the floor—missing just five shots all game—to win 66-64. Watch highlights of the game by searching YouTube.com for the 10:08 video called “1985 NCAA Championship - Georgetown vs Villanova.”
Perhaps an even more unlikely victory came in the 1983 finals when North Carolina State beat No. 1 Houston. With the game tied at 52-52, the Wolfpack wound down the clock and saw Dereck Whittenburg launch a shot into the air. Check it out by searching YouTube.com for the 5:28 video called “Team of Destiny.”
After watching these two videos, talk about what it took for a “David” to beat a “Goliath.” Ask members of your family if they still believe God gives Davids the ability to do the impossible today.
Advent is almost here and we as a church will be joining churches across Queensland on a Journey to Joy.
A suite of resources has been created by a collaborative team from across the Qld Synod of the Uniting Church to help congregations, communities, and families celebrate Advent together intergenerationally. We will be using the worship resources for the four Sundays of Advent and Christmas Day.
There are also five weeks of materials that have been designed for Families, singles, couples, and groups in congregations and the community which contain discussion questions on the weekly themes, Reflections on Characters of the nativity, challenges, and links to additional resources, including videos and songs, to help young and old to engage and go further in their discipleship journey this advent.
Printed materials will be available this and next week for you to collect and start to use in your homes and small groups. Materials are also available online at https://emmanueluca.org.au/dig-in-at-home.
We would love for you to use and share these with family and friends, and people you are relationship with, in the community as we all Journey to Joy this Christmas.
Chapter 10: Standing Tall, Falling Hard
Timeless Truth: God uses willing hearts to serve him.
Bible Basis: 1 Samuel 1, 3, 8-10:9
Key Verse: “The Lord has filled my heart with joy. He has made me strong” (1 Samuel 2:1).
Resource: The Story: Teen Edition, The Story for Kids/Children/Little Ones: Chapter 10
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity will help your family learn to listen for God. The Extra Mile has your family watch a video about God’s lost ark and understand that the Bible isn’t filled with stories—it’s filled with truth.
Get the Point:
Preschool: God answered Hannah's prayer. God hears me pray, too.
Elementary: God answered Hannah's prayer. God hears me pray, too.
Middle School: With God on the throne of your life, you’ll be able to avoid a multitude of sin and live for Him.
High School: Knowing about God leads to failure. Knowing God helps you stand tall.
Table Talk
Preschool/Elementary
- Hannah made a very big promise to God by telling him and she would give her first son to serve him. When Samuel was born, do you think it was hard for Hannah to hand over her son to Eli at the temple?
- Have you ever made a promise so big that you didn’t want to keep it? What did you do?
- How did God reward Hannah? (She had three more sons and two daughters. Plus, she got to see Samuel grow up to mightily serve the Lord.)
- Later in chapter 10, it says the people of Israel wanted a king, even though God was supposed to be their king. God let Samuel anoint Saul to be king. If you were king, what decisions would you make? Would you order dessert to be eaten before dinner? Would you outlaw tests at school?
Middle/High School
- Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas grew up in the temple, but didn’t honor God. They took for themselves what was God’s. Is there an area of your life that you’re holding onto, instead of giving it to God?
- Hophni and Phinehas knew a lot about God, but didn’t truly know, love and fear him. How can you show God that you know, love and fear him?
- What do you think it means in 1 Samuel 10:9 when it says, “God changed Saul’s heart?” How has God changed your heart?
- Saul was 30 years old when he became king of Israel. Is that too young to be king? Do you think his age played a part in Saul sinning against God?
Living Faith
God calling Samuel in the middle of the night is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. When Eli finally figures out that it’s the Lord speaking to Samuel, he tells Samuel to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). What great advice! The Lord wants us to be ready and eager to hear him anytime—day or night.
Construct an old-school “telephone” by using plastic or paper cups, string and tape. Kite string or yarn works well. Once you gather the needed materials, poke a small hole in the bottom of each cup with a pencil. Thread the string through each hole, tie a large knot and then tape the knot on the bottom of the inside of the cups. When you pull the string tight, you’ll be able to hear each other when one person speaks softly into the cup and another person listens with the cup to his ear. See if you can say special messages to each other around the corner of a wall or down the stairs. Put the string under furniture or through the banister and see if it works. How long can you make the string and still communicate with each other?
When you’re done experimenting, ask:
- What was the hardest part of communicating using the old-fashioned telephone?
- God doesn’t speak to us through cups (although he could). What ways does God speak to us today? (Through the Bible; through godly advice from parents or pastors; through our prayers; through circumstances.)
- Because of the way that God communicates with us today, does it make reading the Bible and going to church more important? How can you make these two activities more of a priority in your life?
- What do you think you’d do if you heard a voice in the night calling your name?
- What do you think God wants you to do for him?
Extra Mile
In this part of The Story, the Philistines defeat Israel in battle, kill 30,000 soldiers (including Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas) and capture the Ark of God (1 Samuel 4:10-11). Although King David brought the Ark back to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6), it was eventually lost. Movies, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, have been made regarding the quest to find God’s lost ark. To see what the ark may have looked like, go to youtube.com and look up “Ark of the Covenant,” and watch the video by Howard Conder that is 2:01 long. For older children, the 5:46 long video on youtube.com called “Ark of the Covenant -- Lost or Hidden Away” discusses where the Ark is now. Discuss as a family what you learn. Does this video give you more faith that what the Bible says is real?
Chapter 9: The Faith of a Foreign Woman
Timeless Truth: God rewards unselfish love.
Bible Basis: Ruth 1-4:17
Key Verse: “May the Lord reward you for what you have done. May the God of Israel bless you richly” (Ruth 2:12).
Resource: The Story: Teen Edition, The Story for Kids/Children/Little Ones: Chapter 9
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity is designed to show your family the benefits of being kind, even when nobody knows about it. The Extra Mile will get your family involved in the life of a child who’s having a difficult time.
Get the Point:
Preschool: Boaz and Ruth were kind to others. I please God when I am kind.
Elementary: Boaz and Ruth are kind to others. I please God when I am kind.
Middle School: By loving God first, you can better love your family.
High School: God calls us to go beyond ourselves to serve other people, even when it appears that it won’t profit us.
Table Talk
Preschool/Elementary
- When Naomi’s husband and sons died, why did she want to move to Bethlehem? (That’s where she was from. She had family there and had heard the Lord was helping his people.)
- Did Naomi want Ruth and Orpah to come with her? (No, she encouraged them to go back to their parents’ homes and marry different men.)
- Why did Ruth stay? (She loved Naomi and wanted to serve her and her God.)
- How did God bless Ruth’s actions? (He provided food for her and Naomi. He allowed her to marry Boaz.)
- How does God bless us when we do nice things for people?
Middle/High School
- Boaz and Ruth’s relationship teaches a lot about dating and the characteristics of a future spouse. What first attracted Boaz to Ruth? (She was hard-working. He had heard about the kindness she showed Naomi.)
- What attracted Ruth to Boaz? Was it his awesome biceps? (No. He offered her protection by having her glean in his field. He provided for her.)
- As parents, tell your children what first attracted you to your spouse. Ask them what characteristics are most important to them in a future mate.
- How does Boaz marrying and redeeming Ruth mirror what Jesus did for us?
Living Faith
Have a kindness competition. Depending on the ages of your children, you may have to make teams of two. If every family member is old enough, make it an individual competition. The idea behind this game is to show kindness to each other without expecting anything in return. Ruth showed great love and kindness toward Naomi, even though she couldn’t give her anything in return. In a similar way, Boaz showed amazing kindness toward Ruth. God blessed both Ruth and Boaz for their actions.
Encourage your family to show kindness to each other in tangible ways. Maybe it’s a kind word or a back rub. Maybe it’s something done in secret. You can tape special notes to the mirror in your kids’ bathroom. Your daughter can organize the garage. Your son could offer to baby-sit for free or drive a younger sibling somewhere without complaining. A child could clean up the family room or vacuum without being asked. A husband could buy flowers for his wife. The ideas are endless. At the end of a week, reconvene as a family and talk about what meant the most. Discuss what it was like being the giver and what it was like being on the receiving end of the kindness.
- Did being kind to each other change any family dynamics?
- What was the best part?
- How can kindness and unconditional love be shown all the time?
- How does intentionally showing kindness improve family relationships?
- Read Ephesians 4:32. What does it teach about kindness and how we should treat each other?
Extra Mile
Get together as a family and look at the lives of your neighbors and your children’s friends. Chances are you know another family that’s going through a difficult time, whether it’s divorce, serious illness, job layoff or death. If you can’t think of anybody who’s struggling, call your church and ask for the name of a child who needs to feel loved and encouraged. Once you find a child who’s going through a hard time, come up with a plan to show him love and acceptance—just like Boaz showed Ruth love and acceptance. Invite this child over for dinner. Offer to pick him or her up and pay for him to join a sports team or club with your child. Bring her to the amusement park with your family. Make him a consistent part of your family during a difficult time in his life. Be Jesus with skin on for this child. Boaz changed Ruth’s life forever, and your family can do the same thing!