Big idea: God created us to live, learn, worship, and grow together. Our family is one of the places God gives us to love and encourage one another.
WALK WITH JESUS — God Made Us for One Another
Main Verse: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9
God’s Word also tells us:
“Encourage one another and build one another up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” — Hebrews 10:24
Devotion
God doesn’t expect us to do everything alone. He gives us people to walk beside us—our families, friends, teachers, church family, and others who care about us. These people are gifts from God. They encourage us when we need encouragement, help us when things are difficult, celebrate with us when things are going well, and remind us that we are loved. The Bible reminds us that “two are better than one.” God designed us to live in relationship with others. Being part of a family or community doesn’t mean everyone is always the same or that we always agree. It means we have people who walk alongside us through both good days and hard ones. And God doesn’t only call us to receive that kind of care—He calls us to give it, too. We can encourage one another, carry one another’s burdens, and look for ways to help others grow in faith and love.
Sometimes walking together looks like listening when someone needs to talk. Sometimes it means helping when something is difficult. Sometimes it simply means sitting together, laughing together, praying together, or making time for one another.
As you begin this school year, remember: You don’t have to walk alone. God has given you people to walk beside you—and He has placed people in your life who need you to walk beside them, too.
Talk About It:
● Who has God given you to walk beside you?
● How does our family support you, and how do you support our family?
● When has someone helped or encouraged you?
● Who might need some encouragement from you this week?
● What is one way our family can help someone feel like they belong?
Pray Together:
Dear God, thank You for the people You have placed in our lives. Thank You for our family, friends, teachers, church family, and everyone who cares for us. Help us to encourage one another, help one another, and make room for others. Help us remember that we never walk alone because You are always with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Go a Little Further: (If you’re looking for a little more on this topic.)
WALK TOGETHER — Do Something Together
Family Together Idea: “Our Family Favorites”
Spend some time doing something everyone in the family enjoys. It could be:
● Playing a favorite board/card game
● Taking a walk
● Making cookies
● Getting ice cream
● Playing catch
● Watching a favorite family show
● Going to the park
● Playing a family game of HORSE
● Cooking dinner together
Then ask: “What is something you love doing together as a family?”
WALK IN LOVE — Help Someone Belong
Family Challenge: “Make Room”
As a family, look for someone who might feel left out, new, lonely, or overlooked—and find a way to include or encourage them.
Ideas:
● Invite someone to sit with you.
● Invite a new family over for dinner.
● Send someone a note.
● Call a grandparent or relative.
● Invite someone to play.
● Introduce yourself to someone new at church or school.
● Make a treat for a neighbor.
● Pray for someone who may be feeling alone.
Family question:
“Who might need someone to make room for them this week?”
