A Big Fight
By Amber Espinosa
Because we’re all unique, we don’t always agree. The people we love most and with whom we spend the most time, are, unfortunately, also the ones with whom we argue the most. If you’ve had a big fight with someone, these ideas can help!
Activity Plan
1. Sit down together and read these verses. Then, use the process below to help work out the problem.
• 1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.”
• Matthew 5:43-44 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’”
2. Remember, that God loves all people, and wants us to show love to one another. Here’s a process to help you work out the problem.
• Pick a grown-up to help.
• When everyone is calm, sit down together in a quiet place.
• Have each person tell their side of the story, with no interruptions.
• Change roles. Be sure you can explain how the other person feels, even if you don’t agree.
• Brainstorm at least three ways to solve the problem.
• Choose a solution that both people can agree to.
3. Pray together. During the prayer, each person should thank God for something special about the other. For example, I might say, Thank you God for my friend Zach, especially because he always makes me laugh.
Loving God,
Thank you for each person here.
Thank you especially for ___________________________, especially because __________________________________________________________________.
Thank you especially for ___________________________, especially because __________________________________________________________________.
Help us to feel your love, and to share your love with each other.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
It’s Not Easy Being Green
By Amber Espinosa
Feeling green with jealousy? Want something you don’t have? This activity can help.
Activity Plan
1. We all have times when we want something we don’t have. Talk about it with a loved one.
• What is something you want, but can’t have? When did the feeling start? When it is the worst?
• Why do you think some people have more money and possessions than others? Why do some people have so little?
• Read Isaiah 1:17. “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.” In this verse, like many in the Bible, we see that God cares for those in need, and wants all people to be treated fairly. Are you treated fairly by others? Is this a time when you need to stand up for yourself or people in
need?
• Two of the Ten Commandments teach us not to want what others have. Read the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-18 (use your Bible or see last page). Why do you think these commandments are so important? What might help you let go of your jealous feelings?
2. Lots of times, our feelings follow our thoughts. Instead of thinking about things you don’t have, try thanking God for your blessings each day, and see if you end up feeling more grateful. Try one of these ideas…
• Each night before bed, have everyone in your family thank God for a blessing.
• Psalm 119 was written as an alphabet poem praising God. Try creating your own alphabet praise poem. See if you can praise God for something that starts with every letter of the alphabet by adding something new to the list each day.
• Sing the doxology each morning when you wake up, and each night before bed. Learn the song here:
• Instead of spending time feeling jealous of someone more fortunate than you are, do something to help someone who is less fortunate than yourself. See what happens.