Conversation Starters: Acceptance
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Some people feel like they can’t have anything to do with a person who believes differently. At the other end of the spectrum are those who say we must not only accept any differences, but we must agree with those differences. This suggests that it’s not OK to have an opposing view. We need to recapture what it means to love and accept another person, even when you don’t share the same views. The Book of Romans gives us practical direction on how we do this, especially within the body of Christ.
Concept: Acceptance
Preschool
Luke 17:11-19
LIFE POINT: One day Jesus walked into a village. He was met by ten men who were ill. The men did not stand close to Jesus because of their illness. Instead, they called out to Him. “Jesus, Jesus!” the men shouted. “Please help us. Please make us well.” The men had sores all over their bodies. No one could help them. But the men knew Jesus could make them well. “Go show yourselves to the church leaders (priests),” Jesus said. The men hurried away. As they went to the church leaders, they saw that they were made well. One man ran back to Jesus. He said, “Thank You for making me well.” Jesus was happy the man thanked Him for making him well.
LIVE IT OUT: Make the effort to make friends with a family of a different ethnicity than your own. You and your child will enjoy learning that family’s customs. Help your child learn to accept (be kind to, welcome) people who are different, just as Jesus loves everyone.
Kids
Luke 17:11-19
LIFE POINT: While traveling to Jerusalem, Jesus passed between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, 10 men with skin diseases met Him. They stood at a distance and called, “Jesus, have mercy on us!” When Jesus saw them, He told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” While they were walking, they were healed. One of the men, realizing that he had been healed, returned and gave glory to God. He fell at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not 10 cleansed? Where are the rest? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” Jesus told the healed man, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.”
LIVE IT OUT: Make the effort to become friends with a family of a different ethnicity than your own. Your family will enjoy learning that family’s customs. You can all learn to accept people of all nationalities.
Students
Romans 14:1-4,13-19
THE POINT: Strong relationships are not hindered by differences of opinion. How do you respond when someone disagrees with you? Ask the Lord to help you love others even when you don’t see eye to eye on certain opinions. Discuss the following quote:
“It’s OK to disagree, but it’s not OK to be mean.”1 —Kid President
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 Let Love Be Your Guide:
•Encourage your student to ask for your input about the different opinions he or she is surrounded with daily.
•Pray for your student to have discernment and to always show the love of Christ.
If he or she plans to complete Reputations Matter:
•Talk about how to be a peacemaker and love others without compromising convictions.
•Remind your student that his or her actions matter.
1. “Kid President on the 20 Things We Should Say More Often,” Huffington Post, 22 November 2013, [cited 14 September 2014]. Available from the Internet: http://www.huffingtonpost.com.
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