Heart Connex Parents Page - January 30-February 2, 2011 - Loyalty ...
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE January 30—February 2, 2011 Loyalty to Family—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: One great blessing I have is spending time with you. Another blessing I have is . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Ruth 1:8,14-17. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God wants family members to care for one another. Untruths • Family members really need to take care of themselves. • There’s never a good reason to sacrifice for your family. • It’s normal for parents and teens to hate each other. 3. Explore Scripture: Read Ruth 1:8,14-17 aloud. Explain that Ruth had the choice of going back to her own people or staying with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Point out that Naomi told Ruth to go home four times, but Naomi’s witness helped Ruth decide to be loyal. Explain that Ruth made a lifelong commitment to Naomi, her people, and her God. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this activity. 5. Nail It Down: Say: God wants us to care for one another and to show loyalty to one another like Ruth showed Naomi. Ask family members to share examples of things spouses do that reflect loyalty to each other. Encourage family members to share similar examples from other relationships in the family, such as sibling-to-sibling or parent-to-child. Explain that Naomi’s actions toward Ruth resulted in loyalty. Acknowledge that you are blessed when family members show loyalty to one another. 6. Pray: Ask family members to stand in a circle. Extend your hand toward the middle of the circle. Encourage other family members to put one of their hands on top of your hand, like a sports team does in a huddle. Lead the family in prayer and give thanks for closeness and loyalty today. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless you richly each time you show loyalty to your family members and to our God. Parent Tip: Wise parents do not speak critically about ministers and church leaders in the presence of their children. Such conversations can damage the relationship between children and their leaders and can water down the potential for spiritual influence.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE January 30—February 2, 2011 Loyalty to Family—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: One great blessing I have is spending time with you. Another blessing I have is . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Ruth 1:8,14-17. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God wants family members to care for one another. Untruths • Family members really need to take care of themselves. • There’s never a good reason to sacrifice for your family. • It’s normal for parents and teens to hate each other. 3. Explore Scripture: Read Ruth 1:8,14-17 aloud. Explain that Ruth had the choice of going back to her own people or staying with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Point out that Naomi told Ruth to go home four times, but Naomi’s witness helped Ruth decide to be loyal. Explain that Ruth made a lifelong commitment to Naomi, her people, and her God. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this activity. 5. Nail It Down: Say: God wants us to care for one another and to show loyalty to one another like Ruth showed Naomi. Ask family members to share examples of things spouses do that reflect loyalty to each other. Encourage family members to share similar examples from other relationships in the family, such as sibling-to-sibling or parent-to-child. Explain that Naomi’s actions toward Ruth resulted in loyalty. Acknowledge that you are blessed when family members show loyalty to one another. 6. Pray: Ask family members to stand in a circle. Extend your hand toward the middle of the circle. Encourage other family members to put one of their hands on top of your hand, like a sports team does in a huddle. Lead the family in prayer and give thanks for closeness and loyalty today. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless you richly each time you show loyalty to your family members and to our God. Parent Tip: Wise parents do not speak critically about ministers and church leaders in the presence of their children. Such conversations can damage the relationship between children and their leaders and can water down the potential for spiritual influence.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
