Tuesday: Read Luke 6:31
This month is all about respect: showing others they are important by what you say and do. Whenwe use kind words, include others, listen or let others go first, we show them respect.
When it comes to showing respect, Jesus told us how to do that: treat others like you want to be treated.
Take a moment to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. How would you want to be treated? Write down your thoughts in the space below. Ask God to help you to show respect this week.
It’s time for recess. You want to play Tag, but all your friends want to play kickball.
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You and your brother are fighting over the remote.
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Your Mom is carrying in a bunch of stuff into the kitchen. You’re sitting at the table playing a game.
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Your sister is telling a story and it reminded you of something that happened at school. You really want to interrupt her to tell your story!
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Wednesday: Read Philippians 2:4
Think back over this past week. When did you feel respected? What happened?
It’s easy to think about ourselves and how we feel. But in today’s verse, Paul shares that people who show others respect do the opposite! Instead of looking out for themselves, people who show respect look out for others.
Grab a card and write out the words of today’s verse in big block letters. Decorate the card any way you choose but make it colorful, so it stands out. Now tape that card on a mirror. Every time you look at yourself in that mirror, stop, read the verse aloud, and ask God to help you put others first as you show them respect with your words and actions.
Thursday: Read James 2:1
We all have a big sense of fairness. We want to take turns. To share. To divide things equally. However, sometimes it’s impossible to make things fair for everyone. But it’s possible to treat everyone the same. It’s possible to show respect to everyone. The key is found at the beginning of this verse. What does James say? “You are in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.” What’s the missing word? Yes! When you put faith or trust in Jesus, He will help you treat everyone the same. He doesn’t expect you to do it by yourself! Every day, before you head out the door for school, stop and pray this prayer: “Jesus, help me treat everyone the same, today.”
Friday: Read Luke 5:30-32
Back in New Testament times, Jewish families were required to go to a tax collector to pay the taxes they owed to the Roman government. But tax collectors could be dishonest, charging their fellow Jews far more than what was owed so they could keep the extra for themselves. People didn’t like them too much.
Most Jewish people would never hang out with tax collectors. But Jesus did. Jesus paid attention
to those who were left out or overlooked. He loved people who others didn’t. Jesus loves us too. Even when we mess up or fail. He invited even the tax collectors to follow Him, and Jesus invites you to follow Him too.
When you’re with your family, take a moment to read Luke 5:30-32 and discuss the following
questions:
Who were the Pharisees? Why did they complain about Jesus?
What was so important about Jesus’ answer?
How can you show respect to others like Jesus?
Saturday:
From Jesus’ life and teachings, we know that one way we can show others they are important is by including people who are left out. Sometimes the people who are left out
are really obvious—like the new kid who sits by himself at lunch—but sometimes it takes going through our day with our eyes wide open, looking for others who might be feeling left out. When you do find them, it doesn’t take much to talk to them in a way that makes them feel included!
Who can you talk to today to make them feel included? Circle all of the ideas below that you think you can do this week to make others feel included. Greet the crossing guard or bus . driver
Ask your teacher how her day is going
Put down your phone or device and talk to the person next to you
Invite the new kid at lunch to sit with you
Take a screen-free afternoon and spend time with a younger brother or sister
Thank someone who helps you, like the cafeteria worker or mail worker
Invite someone in your neighborhood (who you don’t usually hang out with) over to play a game
Other: __________________________
