I’m Hurting…Can You Help
Items Needed: Sling, bandana, ear plugs, etc.
Try to understand how others might feel and talk about the love of Christ. For one hour after dinner, put an arm in a sling, bandage a hand, put a blindfold on, put in ear plugs, etc. Give each family member a handicap (using scarves, bandages, crutches, etc.).
People who are sad, hurt, sick, and lonely need love.
How did Jesus show compassion to others? (He spent time with them; He spoke comforting words; He wept with them; He helped them; etc.)
Jesus is a great example of showing others love. As we see how He loved others, we can find ways to show love to others.
The first step is noticing when others are hurting or in need. The second step is doing what you can to help them. We can follow Jesus’ example and love others.
Try a Little Love
Items Needed:
- Slips of paper (with each of the following written on a slip – lonely, sick, afraid, new to a situation, disappointed, hurt, tired, hungry)
- Bag or basket to hold the slips of paper
- Marker
- Bible
Talk about ways to follow Jesus’ example and show love to others.
Invite a family member to pick a slip of paper and read it aloud. Brainstorm ways you could show love to someone in each situation. Some ideas: listen, smile, pray, serve, help, give, hang out, laugh, work, include, talk, play, eat, celebrate, call, support, cry, and share.
Read John 13:34, 35. What does Jesus tell us to do? (Love one another as He has loved us.)
When we show love to others, they will know we are followers of Christ.
Listen Closely
Items Needed:
- Adventure Guide, Discovery Guide, or Explorer’s Guide (or another devotional magazine)
- Bible
Model how to have a quiet time for your children.
Choose a quiet place.
Read a section in the devotional magazine or a passage in the Bible.
Ask yourself, “What does that tell me about God?” or “Is there an instruction I can obey?”
Thank God and ask for His help to do what is right.
God gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us. The Holy Spirit helps us live right, make good choices, and love others. Our job is to listen and obey.