Conversation Starters: Fighting Back

Posted by Karah

Use these discussion starters to help foster a spiritual conversation with your family.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Most of us would have to admit that we feel the temptation to fight back and the pressure to get revenge. But God hates retaliation. James wrote to first century Christians who knew the pain of mistreatment and the pressure to get revenge. He teaches that the right response when you’ve been wronged is not to give in to the pressure to retaliate, but instead to let it go.

Concept: Fighting Back

PRESCHOOL

Matthew 26:17-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

LIFE POINT: God wants people to love one another.

How did Jesus show love to His disciples?

What is one way you can show kindness to another person?

LIVE IT OUT: Talk with your preschooler about situations that are difficult for him, such as a friend hitting him or breaking in front of him in a line. Provide paper and crayons or markers. Ask him to draw a picture of responding kindly in one of the situations.

KIDS

Matthew 26:17-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

LIFE POINT: Living for Christ will be difficult at times.

How did Jesus respond to Judas’ betrayal of Him?

How can you use Jesus’ example to be kind to others, no matter what?

LIVE IT OUT: Talk with your child about a situation in his life that has been difficult. He might not understand why he had to endure this hard situation. Lead him to pray, thanking God for His help through this trial.

STUDENTS

JAMES 5:1-11

THE POINT: God wants me to trust Him rather than seek revenge.

How do you deal with the desire to get someone back?

How can you focus on trusting Jesus rather than seeking revenge?

Have a conversation around this quote: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”¹ —Winston Churchill

LIVE IT OUT:

Ask your student if there is anything keeping him or her from trusting God in situations in which he or she wants to get revenge. Pray daily for your student to trust God in all situations.

Read the same Scripture passages your student does this week.

1. Richard M. Langworth, Churchill by Himself, (London: Ebury Press, 2008), 572.

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