If we took a minute to think back on our own middle school years, there’s probably one thing we’d all have in common: the emotions. The same is true for your middle schoolers today. Thanks to their hormones and their changing brains, these years can be emotionally tumultuous. They’re feeling more emotions than ever—at a deeper level than ever before—and they’re struggling to understand and control those emotions. Often, a middle schooler can’t understand what they’re feeling, why they’re feeling it, or what to do with those feelings. But don’t worry! They’ll grow into those new emotions soon enough. Keep that in mind as you talk about “happiness.” Your few may be more aware than ever before just how elusive “happiness” can be.
Share a high and a low from the past week.
What’s the happiest moment you’ve ever had?
What’s the happiest moment you’ve ever had?
Matthew 22:34-39 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Greatest Commandment
34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
The Greatest Commandment
34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
These questions are just a guide to opening up discussion with your family. Feel free to skip over or add as you feel fit! More importantly, create meaningful conversation!
Why do you think our things can’t keep us happy for very long?
Why do you think Jesus tells us to love people, but not things?
Who are the people who have made your life happier?
How does fighting with, or drifting away from, the people you love affect your happiness?
What’s one example of how our things can come between us and the people we love?
What’s one thing you can do this week to love your things a little less?
What’s one thing you can do this week to love people a little more?
Why do you think our things can’t keep us happy for very long?
Why do you think Jesus tells us to love people, but not things?
Who are the people who have made your life happier?
How does fighting with, or drifting away from, the people you love affect your happiness?
What’s one example of how our things can come between us and the people we love?
What’s one thing you can do this week to love your things a little less?
What’s one thing you can do this week to love people a little more?
Almighty God, you have filled all the earth with the light of your incarnate Word. By your grace empower us to reflect your light in all that we do, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
L: Go in peace, loving others.
C: Thanks be to God!
Mark the Cross of Christ on each others foreheads as a remembrance of your baptism and say these words...
"(Name) you are a beloved Child of God."
C: Thanks be to God!
Mark the Cross of Christ on each others foreheads as a remembrance of your baptism and say these words...
"(Name) you are a beloved Child of God."
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