Being United

Introduction

Last week we had a good discussion on growing our children’s character. We discussed several character traits like Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, and Kindness. We saw that character is built during hard times, and that it is a difficult thing to build character.

In your opinion, what are qualities that parents should have when setting out to build character in their children? Love, perseverance, patience.

Opening Question

This session is about being united on the parental front. Why do you think that is important?

Video: Being United

Review

Thoughts or comments?

Ephesians 4:3 KJV 1900

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

It’s easier to do it individually, but it is better to do it together. What are your thoughts on this concept?

Discussion Questions

1. Karen said “getting on the same page is hard,” do you agree? Why?

2. What are the challenges that keep you and your spouse from being

united?

3. Where have you seen the children divide you and your spouse?

4. Do you “defend” one child over another?

5. Ephesians 4:3 says, “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the

Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

a. Are you “making every effort”? If yes, list the ways. If not, why not?

b. In what area do you feel “bound together in peace”?

c. In what area do you not feel “bound together in peace”?

d. If you asked your children the following: Do you have peaceful parents?

What would they say and why?

6. Have you become an “individual leader” and not part of the team?

If yes, why?

7. What areas have you and your spouse disagreed about

your children and/or family?

8. What have you done to resolve those differences?

9. Do you have a trusted mentor when disagreements arise?

10. Do you feel like your perspective as a parent is validated by your spouse?

Why or why not?

11. Do you feel like your observations as a parent are valued by your spouse?

Why or why not?

12. Do you have any structure or a plan to stay united during these years of

kids activities, busy work schedules, etc?

Homework

Take some time to develop a plan to get on the same team.

Slide quotes