Stepping In: Getting things started!

1- Share one thing you’ve learned from watching “good parents”.

2- Of the five things kids need we looked at this past weekend, which one resonated with you the most…and why. (Strong belief, ongoing affection, encouraging words, serious fun, delicate discipline)

 

Building Up: What is God Saying? 

**While Ephesians 4 is talking about the church family, see how each of these commands can relate to your own family.

Read Ephesians 4:20-24. What do these verses say to you about the power of God to change a life? What one way has your life changed since you began to seriously follow Jesus?

Read Ephesians 4:25. What are some simple lies we’ve caught ourselves telling our children, or other people in general? What other “falsehoods” can we give the impression of without actually lying? What is the power of simply telling the truth?

Read Ephesians 4:26-27. What is the ongoing damage done when anger remains unresolved? What are some specific ways you’ve seen the devil get a “foothold” in your relationships when we hang on to anger? What is a key for you to deal properly with the anger that may build up in your life?

Read Ephesians 4:28. Why is a healthy work ethic a key in raising kids? How does stealing short-circuit what God is trying to do in our lives?

Read Ephesians 4:29. Give examples of what we are tempted to say to our family, and then share what we could say to have much better results. How would the atmosphere change in your home if the only thing heard were words that benefited each other?

Read Ephesians 4:30-31. What are some ways we might “grieve the Holy Spirit” in our relationships? Why is verse 31 such a huge key to healthy relationships?

Read Ephesians 4:32. How can we understand the concept of forgiveness when the other person isn’t even sorry for what they did? How do we forgive others? What issue has been difficult for you to let go and forgive?

 

Living Out: How do I obey?

1- From what we studied this week, what is the one thing you’re going to do as a result of it with your family or other key relationships? (Everyone share one)