Documents

Documents about different biblical subjects

Relationships with the Family

February 5th, 2012

To the leader of the study
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 needs to be a deep abiding love and respect to their parent(s) and a strong, inseparable love for each sibling. From this study their needs to a distinct change in the teenager’s relationship with each member of their family.

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 the weaknesses so you don’t frustrate them. Then you, the teen leader, go back and respectfully talk those issues out with his parent(s). Strongly emphasize to the teenager that this study will focus specifically on what he needs to change.

Intro

What are your greatest strengths and weakness in your relationships with you family?

Strengths

  1. cheerful
  2. loving
  3.  affectionate
Weaknesses
  1. irresponsible
  2. disrespectful
  3. independent
Proverbs 23:22-26
What do you think will bring the greatest joy to your parents(s)?
  1. listening to them
  2. living by the truth
  3. changing how you live at home
The goal of this study is for you to change your dynamics in your relationship with your family. The results will bring greater joy to your family.

The Scriptures

John 19:25-27
As Jesus was dying on the cross, what are some words you would use to describe how he looked after his family?
  1. compassion
  2. love
  3. care
Bottom line: If Jesus shows that kind of care for his family, especially making sure his mother was taken care of, while dying on a cross, we need to daily care about our own families by being righteous and loving toward them.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Who should you respect?
  1. Those who work hard
  2. Those over you in the Lord (Your parents fit into these categories!)
How can you show greater respect for your parent(s)?
  1. Listen right away
  2. Obey right away
  3. Verbally express to them that you love and respect them frequently 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
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?
  1. bitterness
  2. rage
  3. anger
  4. any bad feelings
How should you treat your sibling(s)?
  1. with encouragement
  2. with kindness
  3. with compassion
Bottom line: In God’s eyes, there is no such thing as sibling rivalry. You must treat all your physical brother and sisters with so much love that this love is only surpassed by your love for God and your parent(s).

Personal Heart-Check Questions

What needs to change the most in your relationship with your family?
How will you go about changing these things starting today?

Practical Applications

Apologize specifically to your sibling(s) about how you’ve fallen short and express to them how you want to be different.