Drama / Role play
Take turns being detectives who identify the causes of arguments and strife. Discussion point: We need to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with forgiveness and love.
This activity is based on James 4:1-3. Explain that some police officers work as detectives. Their job can involve looking for clues to help them find the truth.
Begin by reviewing potential causes of discord (lack of peace) in your home. Ideas listed in the Bible include selfishness, envy, teasing another person, being hot tempered, stirring up anger/ provoking, lack of sympathy, lack of love, impatience or intolerance.
Explain to your children that they can be “discord detectives.” For even more fun, wear detective-type costumes. When someone spies discord, the detectives must discover clues to help find out what caused the discord in the first place.
Be sure your children understand that it very important to correct others gently and to offer grace and forgiveness readily (Galatians 6:1, Colossians 3:13, Matthew 18:35). The verses listed in the memory verses section can be a helpful reference. Once the reason for the discord has been uncovered, ask God to forgive the person who caused the conflict. Pray as a family and ask the Holy Spirit to fill all of you with His love. See Galatians 5:25-26 and 1 Corinthians 13:5 for further reference.
Note: If your children do not have the maturity to handle this exercise, they can be discord detectives while viewing an appropriate DVD or video.
1 Corinthians 13:5 “[Love] is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Galatians 5:25-26 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
James 4:1-3 “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask you do not receive because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”