A God Who Makes Friends
This month’s song, “A God Who Makes Friends,” is quite prophetic in our current climate of blame and alienation. Learning to see others through the eyes of God is something that must start with young children. School is starting for many children and families this month. Children are making transitions, whether from one Sunday school class to the other or to a whole new class in school. In these situations, as well as at home, there can be conflict, or at the very least, there can be the need to make new friends. Thankfully, God shows us a way. First and foremost, we know that God created each person very, very good. We know God created us to be in community with each other. We know God doesn’t want anyone to be lonely. We know God wants us to live in peace with each other. This month has several little practices, ways to help this happen for you and your family.
Read It
|
Psalm 122:7-9
7 Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.” 8 For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.” 9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good. |
|
Do It
Playground Peace: Recess is fertile ground for peace-making. Talk through some ways to make peace there.
Helpful peace: If another child is struggling with something and you are able to help them, do!
Peace Lingo: When your children have conflict, try using new language. This may feel a little weird or cheesy, but it may actually work. It worked with our 2-year-old, and that’s saying something! Here are some ideas for words to use before you address the conflict itself:
Pass the Peace: Another song on this CD is “Peace Be With You.” It’s a call-and-response song, which makes it perfect for young children. Try singing this song with your kids, not as a big planned thing, just as something you sing while playing together or (quietly) while grocery shopping. It can be a helpful song, helpful language, for them to have.
Repenting and Forgiving: See this practice from another month.
- Look for kids who don’t have anyone to play with and invite them to play with you.
- If a child is getting picked on by others, invite the one getting picked on to come play with you.
- If no one is willing to play with you at recess, play something by yourself that’s so fun others want to join. Make sure that you’re welcoming and incorporate their ideas when they come to play with you.
- If children are playing a game you’re not comfortable with, start one of your own.
Helpful peace: If another child is struggling with something and you are able to help them, do!
Peace Lingo: When your children have conflict, try using new language. This may feel a little weird or cheesy, but it may actually work. It worked with our 2-year-old, and that’s saying something! Here are some ideas for words to use before you address the conflict itself:
- “The peace of Christ be with you.”
- “Our God makes friends.”
- “Peace be with you.”
Pass the Peace: Another song on this CD is “Peace Be With You.” It’s a call-and-response song, which makes it perfect for young children. Try singing this song with your kids, not as a big planned thing, just as something you sing while playing together or (quietly) while grocery shopping. It can be a helpful song, helpful language, for them to have.
Repenting and Forgiving: See this practice from another month.
Pray It
God, thank you for creating us to live in families and communities. Help us to make friends and live in peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sing It
"A God Who Makes Friends" and "Peace Be With You"
New World Coming by Bryan Moyer Suderman, track 7 and 14
New World Coming by Bryan Moyer Suderman, track 7 and 14
Explore It
To see this song and this concept used in children’s time and worship, click here and watch minutes 25:43-36:14.
|
This year’s faith practices go with songs from the CD “New World Coming,” by Bryan Moyer Suderman. They work well on their own, but if you want a bonus for your family’s experience, buy a CD to listen to for the year.
|
