TO THE LEADER OF THE STUDY (Tap to Expand)
Family relationships are second only to your relationship with God. It is an absolute must that a teen’s heart for their family is in the right place. There should be a deep abiding love and respect for their parent(s) and a strong, inseparable love for each sibling. From this study, there needs to be a real understanding of this in the teenager’s relationship with members of their families.
Note: This is not a study about the parent(s) or sibling(s) weaknesses. Hear the teenager out if they feel the need to voice some of their weaknesses so you don’t frustrate them. However, strongly emphasize to the teen that this study will focus specifically on what he/she needs to change
Discussion
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses in your relationships with your family?
PROVERBS 23:22-26 (Tap to Expand)
Saying 17
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it—
wisdom, instruction, and insight as well.
24 The father of a righteous child has great joy;
a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
25 May your father and mother rejoice;
may she who gave you birth be joyful!
Saying 18
26 My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes delight in my ways,
What do you think will bring the greatest joy to your parent(s)?
- Listening to them
- Living by the truth
- Changing how you live at home
The goal of this study is for you to understand the dynamics in your relationship with your family and compare them to how God wants them to be. The results will bring greater joy to your family.
The Scriptures
JOHN 19:25-27 (Tap to Expand)
25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[a] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
As Jesus was dying on the cross, what are some words you would use to describe how he looked after his family?
- Compassion
- Love
- Care
Bottom Line: If Jesus shows that kind of care for his family, especially by making sure his mother was taken care of while dying on the cross, we need to care about our own families by being righteous and loving toward them.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-13 (Tap to Expand)
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
Whom should you respect?
- Those who work hard
- Those over you in the Lord (Your parents fall into both these categories!)
How can you show greater respect for your parent(s)?
- Listen and obey right away
- Verbally express to them frequently that you love and respect them or write it to them in cards or letters.
Bottom Line: You’ve been given so much by your parents. You need to give back by always showing the respect they deserve and God expects you to have for them.
EPHESIANS 4:29-5:1 (Tap to Expand)
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children
How do you get along with each sibling? (Go through each one.) In your relationship with your sibling(s), what should you get rid of?
- Bitterness and any bad feelings
- Rage and anger
How should you treat your sibling(s)?
- With encouragement
- With Kindness
- With compassion
Bottom line: In God’s eyes, there is no such thing as sibling rivalry. We must treat all our physical brothers and sisters with so much love that this love is only surpassed by our love for God and our parent(s).
Personal Heart Check Questions
1. What do you feel needs to change the most in your relationship with your family?
2. How will you go about changing these things starting today?
Practical Applications
Apologize to your sibling(s) about any time you’ve fallen short. Express how you want to be different.
Write a one-page letter to your parent(s) about how grateful you are for them, and how you will specifically change to show greater respect for them.
