Conversation Starters: Encourage
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: No soldier wants to go into battle alone. No one likes to stand up and be the lone voice in a meeting. We want to know someone has our back or is standing with us. We carry out our responsibilities better when we encourage one another. We all need encouragers in our lives. In turn, we can strengthen our relationships when we offer the same support and encouragement to others.
Concept: Encourage
Preschool
Esther 2:2-18; 4:5-17; 5:1-14; 7:10; 8:8-17
LIFE POINT: The king of Persia wanted to choose a new queen. He looked at many young women; then he chose Esther for his queen. Esther was a Jewish girl who lived with her cousin Mordecai. Haman, one of the king’s helpers, did not like Mordecai or the Jewish people. Haman wanted to hurt Mordecai and all the Jews. “Go and ask the king to help us,” Mordecai told Esther. “Tell him you are Jewish and that Haman wants to hurt us.”
Esther was afraid to go to the king. If she went to the king without being called, she could be in trouble. Esther asked the Jews to pray for her for three days. Esther dressed in her nicest clothes. She went to see the king. The king was happy to see Esther and listened to what she wanted. He helped Esther and Mordecai. The king punished Haman for trying to hurt Mordecai and the Jews.
LIVE IT OUT: Talk to your child about plans she may have for her life, such as what she wants to be when she grows up. Help her understand that God has the perfect plan for her and wants her to love Him.
Kids
Esther 2:2-18; 4:5-17; 5:1-14; 7:10; 8:8-17
LIFE POINT: King Ahasuerus wanted a new queen. Esther lived with her cousin, Mordecai. Esther won the approval of everyone who met her and was crowned queen. Esther did not tell she was Jewish. Haman wanted to kill the Jewish people. He convinced the king to issue a decree that would destroy all Jews. When Queen Esther learned what was happening, Mordecai instructed her to go to the king and ask him to help. Queen Esther stood outside the palace until the king noticed her. The king said he would do anything she asked. Esther made a banquet for the king and Haman. At the banquet, she asked that they join her the next night. The next night, she told the king about Haman’s evil plan. The king was angry and had Haman killed. The Jewish people were saved because Esther trusted God and had courage.
LIVE IT OUT: Talk to your child about plans he may have for his life. Write them down and put them in a safe place. Look at the plans again later. Help your child understand that God has a special plan for his life.
Students
Acts 9:26-28; 11:21-26
THE POINT: Encouragement strengthens relationships. Who is the most encouraging person you know? What are some ways you can encourage others? Discuss the following quote:
“When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you are making a commitment and difference in that person’s life. Encouragement really does make a difference.”1 —Zig Ziglar
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he or she plans to complete Effective Encouragement:
•Make a calendar together of ways you can encourage others as a family.
•Think of ways to encourage your student this week.
If he or she plans to complete Promote Good:
•Join your student in posting messages on social media that inspire others.
•Pray for your student to influence peers in a way that honors Christ.
1. “Zig Ziglar Quotes,” Brainy Quote, [cited 14 September 2014]. Available from the Internet: http://www.brainyquote.com.
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