Hands-on Faith for Families – week of August 1, 2022
Theme: Live Like God’s Child
God Is the Judge
Scripture: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
Play: Write “Jesus loves you” on a sheet of paper. On a second sheet, write “USEOJOSVUESLY,” which is a scrambled version of the sentence. Then tell your family that you have an important message for them. Show the scrambled message to your family. When they express confusion over the message, show them the real message.
Talk: People who don’t have a relationship with God are not able to understand the truth of the Gospel. For them, God’s Word is just like a scrambled message. Without this understanding, they will make wrong choices in life, even when they’re trying to do what is right.
In 1 Corinthians 5:12, the apostle Paul says, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?”
God is the only one qualified to judge nonbelievers, people outside of the church. People who are not living according to God’s Word may frustrate you, but as a believer, you shouldn’t judge them or treat them harshly. Instead, you can offer them biblical tolerance — treating them with respect and patience even though you disagree with their poor choices.
Pray: Ask God to help you show love and tolerance to people who don’t have a relationship with Him.
— Lee Smedly
Copyright © 2011 by Focus on the Family. www.focusonthefamily.com
