Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
If we are going to talk about family, then we have to deal with mom and dad. Your relationship with your parents will go a long way in defining your relationship with God.
Our parents are critical in our understanding and perception of who God is
God gave you parents so that you would know how to relate to God. The Bible calls God our Father, and we relate to him as children. Good, godly parents prepare us to spend a lifetime worshiping God. Unfortunately, many of us do not grow up with godly parents who teach us biblical truth. Even if your parents are Christians, they aren’t perfect. They make many mistakes. God isn’t like that. He’s the perfect God who is here to take care of you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
You can change your family environment, but how?
You aren’t the parent, but you can change the dynamics of your family. You can begin to make your home more loving, peaceful, and merciful. You do this through following God’s plan for your family: honor your mom and dad.
Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV) “Honor your father and mother” -which is the first commandment with a promise- “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
God commands you to honor your parents. This verse doesn’t have a time limit. So, if you’re 18, you still need to honor mom and dad. And this verse comes with a promise. Your life will be better when you give honor to your parents.
Watch and Discuss:
- What did you think of this week’s video? What’s something you took away from it?
- What are your parents like? Describe them.
- What is the thing you love most about your parents? Why do you love that most?
- What is one thing you would change about your parents? Why would you change that?
- What do you do that reminds you of your parents? Why do you think that is?
- What are some ways you would say you are very different from your parents? Why do you think you’re so different in those ways?
- Read Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) What do you think this verse means and is talking about?
- What ways would you say your parents represent God well?
- What are some ways you think God’s love is even better than earthly representations shown by your parents?
