Courtesy

Family building project

Creative crafts

Build a model house together, earning each building block by speaking in a way that “builds others up.”

Discussion point: The importance of encouraging others.

For this activity, you and your children will build a house together – a reminder of Ephesians 4:29.

Construction materials can include Lego®, sugar cube “bricks” or other creative raw materials. The teaser is that your children must earn the raw materials for your house by speaking in a way that “builds others up” – by solving problems politely, speaking gently and respectfully, and encouraging others through kind words. Every time someone speaks “building words” they receive a brick to add to the house.

Make this a family affair by inviting your children to catch you speaking positive words as well! Talk about how much can be accomplished when a family works together and gets along. Point out that just as it is satisfying to build a house together, so it is satisfying to speak words that build each other up. Make a sign to put out in front of your house with all or part of Ephesians 4:29 on it.

Relevant Scripture

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”