How would you describe “kindness” to someone? We can all probably name someone who we think is a great example of being kind to others. Whether it’s through their actions or words, these people care for others selflessly.
KINDNESS: An Action That Shows You Care
MEMORY VERSE: “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." EPHESIANS 4:32 NLT
This Week’s Finish Line: Receiving God's Kindness Helps Us Care For Others
In Luke 7 Jesus was having dinner with some Pharisees when a woman with a bad reputation walked in and started washing Jesus’ feet. The Pharisees were quick to judge her by her sin but Jesus looked on her with kindness. Yes, He knew her sins but we see in verses 47 and 50 that her sins had been forgiven, not by anything she had done but because of His kindness. She was so overwhelmed with gratitude for the kindness she had received from God that she couldn’t help but show kindness in return. When we understand and accept the amazing kindness that God offers to us, we too can respond by caring for others.
Family Questions:
- Read Luke 7:36-50 together. Who was more grateful in the story Jesus told? Why?
- Was Simon any better than the woman? What did they both need? What do we all need?
- Read Titus 3:4-6. How did God show His kindness to us? Can we do anything to deserve His kindness? Why not?
- How can knowing how kind God has been to you help you care for others?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: Realizing Our Debt
At dinner, read the story in Luke 7:36-50. After reading, discuss with your family how both people owed a debt they could not pay, but they were both forgiven of their debt so they did not have to pay it. When we understand the debt we owe God we realize His great kindness in sending His Son to pay for our debt. We should resemble the woman in the story, because she had received God’s kindness and in response was incredibly grateful.
Friend: Understanding the Finish Line
While in the car this week talk with your family about our finish line, “Receiving God’s Kindness Helps Us Care for Others.” Discuss the order of of the finish line. When we understand and receive God’s kindness it helps us to be kind and care for others. We need to receive God’s kindness for ourselves first and then it overflows to others.
Counselor: Memorize the Verse!
As you are putting your family to bed, spend time going over and memorizing the verse for the month. Ephesians 4:32, "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Coach: Mission:KINDNESS
As you are preparing your family for the day tell them that they have a MISSION! Get them excited about this mission and rally them like they are secret agents with the most important mission EVER! The mission is KINDNESS. Tell them to find as many ways as they can to be kind, and tell them to be ready to share them in the evening. (Don’t forget to follow up that evening.)
Prayer
Thank God for freely showing kindness to you and the gift of mercy and grace even when you didn’t deserve it. Ask Him to help you respond with kindness to those you are around in different situations this week.
Looking Ahead
Next week we are continuing the month of February with KINDNESS. We will be learning that because of God's kindness to us, we can show kindness to people in need.
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