The Parent Weekly for July 28th, God is Hope
What we learned today
Big Idea: God Is Hope
Letters to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 3—4; 2 Thessalonians 2
Where we’re headed next time
Big Idea: God Is Love
Letter to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 12—13
Did you know?
Share these facts to get the conversation started:
Located about 50 miles west of Athens, Corinth was one of the most important Greek cities in Paul’s time. After preaching at Athens, Paul stopped in Corinth, and he spent more time here than in just about any other city.
The extreme pagan nature of the city can be seen in the presence of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian temples. The city was so debauched that the name “Corinth” became a synonym for sexual immorality.
This wholly pagan environment, where false, empty forms of love ran rampant, gave Paul a perfect opportunity to explain what true love is really like. These pagan substitutes weren’t love. God is love.
Connect as a family
Grab a ball of yarn or twine and gather your family in a circle. Read 1 Corinthians 13. While holding one end of the yarn, toss the ball to another family member and share a way you’ve seen that person show others God’s love (for example, maybe she forgives easily or goes out of her way to be kind). Then have her hold the yarn as she tosses the ball to another person. Continue tossing and sharing as you create a web in the middle of your circle. Share with your kids that the web represents how the Holy Spirit holds us together in love, because God is love.
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:
What are some characteristics of love?
How does this passage describe God?
How has God shown His love in your life?
These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God is love into your everyday life as a family.
Blessing
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
A blessing to pray over your child: May you know the amazing, huge, wonderful love of God. May His love lead you to love and care for others.
