Scripture: Esther
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God often puts His people where He wants them in order to do certain things for Him.
- Students will learn sometimes we must be very brave to do what God wants us to do.
- Students will learn God expects us to do what He wants us to do even if it scares us.
- Students will learn godly conflict resolution skills.
Guiding Question: Why is it important to place our faith in God?
Materials: Teach One Reach One Resolving Conflict Parenting Resource
Procedure: Review the story of Esther with the students – particularly the Celebration of Purim. Explain that Purim is a holiday for remembering the story of Esther. Tell the students that during this holiday, people give little gifts (usually of food) to their neighbors. Explain that God wants us to reach out to others and be brave in sharing our faith. God expects us to do what He has called us to and to trust Him even when we do not fully understand what He is doing. God places people in our lives that He calls us to share our faith with and we can trust Him to help us when it is part of His plan.
Introduce the activity. Explain that sometimes to survive, we must know how to de-escalate tense situations to avoid dangerous conflict. Go over and practice godly conflict resolution skills found in the Teach One Reach One Resolving Conflict resource: http://www.teachonereachone.org/wp-content/uploads/Printable%20Resources/TORO%20Tips%20for%20Kids-Conflict.pdf This can also be used as a resource to send home for parents to use with their children.
Additional Questions: How can students practice godly conflict resolution skills?
Supplemental Activity: Have students act out godly ways to solve conflicts they may have with parents, siblings, friends, etc.