June 11, 2023 | How Can We Cultivate Good Hearts in our Kids?
Big Idea
Jesus came to bring a YOU+ life that cultivates good character in your children.
Scripture
Romans 12:9, Matthew 12:35, Deuteronomy 6:5-7, 1 Peter 4:8
Opening Questions
- How have you been able to B.L.E.S.S. the children or students you care about?
- What were you most interested in as a kid (music, sports, books, etc.)? Is this still true of you today?
Bible Discussion
- Read Romans 12:9 using three different translations of your choice. Compare and contrast the words used. How does this verse authored by Paul demonstrate good character?
- Read Matthew 12:35. Who is Jesus talking to in this verse? What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.”?
- Some of the best parenting advice in Scripture comes from Deuteronomy 6:5-7. What do you think it means to “tie them (God’s commandments) as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads”? How can we practically apply these principles in our lives and in the lives of the children and students we care about?
- Read 1 Peter 4:8. How did Jesus demonstrate this? How can we draw from his love to live out this verse?
Life Application
- What are some of the character traits you desire for the children and students you care about? As we read in Matthew 12:35, good character is a by-product of heart transformation. Heart transformation happens through good relationships. What are some ways you can foster a relational environment in and outside of your home?
- What stage are you currently in with the children and students you care about: The Early Years (0-5), The Training Years (6-12), The Coaching Years (13-18) or beyond (as we know parenting never ends, it just changes)? How have you adjusted your parenting style through these stages? How have your children and students responded?
- When it comes to parenting, we aren’t going to get it right all the time. Share a time when you put into practice, “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8b).