Discussion Questions

Think about the story recorded in Matthew 18 of when the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest. Instead of chastising them for arguing, Jesus called a child to Himself and told His disciples to become like children themselves. In this story we can see that Jesus certainly saw the value in children, but He also valued His disciples. He didn’t put His hand up and walk away, or tell them forcefully to stop being so selfish. He was gentle and kind, and went for the heart. That is the way He loves us, and He commissions us to love others in the same way. Is there a child God has put in your life with whom you are genuinely connecting? How have you seen gentleness and kindness make a difference for that child?
Challenge yourself before an interaction this week to ask yourself, “What is the goal?” Write about how that changed your behavior.
“Many of our children desperately want to be loved, to feel that they have worthand to feel connected, yet their pain is so deep, the void so large and the confusion so great that they often act in ways that inhibit rather than promote the very thing they desire.” How does understanding this change the way that you view misbehavior in the children you serve?
Think about some recent interactions you have had. How do those interactions line up with Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13?