
What do you typically do when you don’t get your way with your family?
Why does family conflict often feel more intense than conflict anywhere else in life?
Beyond hurting each other’s feelings, what are some other reasons why trying to “get even” doesn’t work?

Love for Enemies
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

You’re not perfect either. If you remembered that during times of conflict with your family, how would it help you react better?
How do you want your family to respond to you when you mess up? What is one way you can do that very thing for your family this week when they hurt you?
What do you think would happen if you treated your family the way you want to be treated? Be honest: there are no right or wrong answers.


"(Name) you are a beloved Child of God."