Describe your all-time favorite encounter with God’s Creation. Was it a camping trip, a lake, or your back yard? What made that experience so special? In Genesis God created everything with his words. Clearly words hold a lot of power. Knowing this, how might you choose your words differently when speaking with your family and/or friends?
Commit to memory: 1 John 1:8-9 Verses to read: Psalm 51:1-4, Psalm 103:12 Catechism to read: Confession Discuss: Spend some time reflecting on your relationships – with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. -Do you hold grudges? -Do you honor and cherish people? -Are you petty? -Are there some conflicts you need to resolve -Are there some people you need to apologize to and ask for forgiveness - Are there some people you need to forgive? Have each family member confess the sins they have committed against each other. Offer each other forgiveness by saying, "Just like Jesus forgives me, I forgive you."
Commit to memory: 9th-10th Commandment Verses to read: Exodus 20:17, Luke 12:15, Matthew 6:19-21 Catechism to read: 9th-10th Commandment and Explanations Discuss: In what areas of life do you struggle with coveting and jealousy? This week, before dinner each night, everyone in the family should name one rich blessing they have from God that helps them be content.
Commit to memory: 8th Commandment Verses to read: Exodus 20:16, Ephesians 4:15, Colossians 4:6 Catechism to read: 8th Commandment and Explanation Discuss: Rank yourself on a scale of 1-10, 1 being a gossip and 10 being someone who builds others up with words. Why is it so important to be a 10 instead of a 1? Share a story of a time you dealt with a 1 and how that felt. Share a story of a time you dealt with a 10 and how that felt.
Commit to memory: 7th Commandment Verses to read: Exodus 20:15, Matthew 6:19-21, John 10:10 Catechism to read: 7th Commandment and Explanation Discuss: Do you think you’ve broken the 7th Commandment? Why or why not? Share about a time you've been tempted to take something that wasn't yours. In what way can you improve and protect your neighbors possessions this week?
Commit to memory: 6th Commandment Verses to read: Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:27-28, Proverbs 6:32 Catechism to read: 6th Commandment and Explanation Discuss: Think about the shows/movies your family has recently watched. Did the shows support or hurt your desire to lead a sexually pure life? Parents, what are your hopes for your child in relation to the 6th Commandment? What are some strategies that help you deal with various temptations, especially sexual temptations?
Commit to memory: 5th Commandment Verses to read: Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:21-22, 1 John 3:15 Catechism to read: 5th Commandment and Explanation Discussion: Do you think you’ve broken the 5th Commandment? Why or why not? How do you treat people when you get mad? Jealous? Annoyed? What would it look like to react in love?
Commit to memory: 4th Commandment Verses to read: Exodus 20:12, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Romans 13:1 Catechism to read: 4th Commandment and Explanation Discuss: Parents, give your child an example of a time he/she kept the 4th Commandment well and a time he/she didn’t keep it well. Child, when/why is it hard to keep the 4th Commandment in your home? When is it easy? Pray for our government leaders.
Commit to memory: 3rd Commandment Verses to read: Exodus 20:8-11, Mark 2:23-28 Catechism to read: 3rd Commandment and Explanation Discussion questions: On a scale of 1-10, rank your family on how well you take time to rest in the Lord once a week. Do worship every week? Do you regularly spend time as a family doing restful activities? Do you have restful moments during the week? Do you regularly participate in the Sacraments? What do your answers say about your family values? Audio credit: bensound.com
10 Commandments Intro…. Commit Matthew 22:37 to memory… Verses to read together Matthew 22:36-38 and Romans 13:10… Catechism to read The Ten Commandments… Discussion Questions: In your life, do you feel the Ten Commandments are a burden and added weight on your shoulders, or do you feel they are a help to you? Why? It is often easier to apply God’s law to other people than it is to ourselves. How do these commandments help you look at your own heart? How do they help you love Jesus more?
“Family 15 is a time for parents and students to learn and grow alongside each other in the car, at the dinner table, or during family devotions. The following prompts will add to what we talk about in C4. Read in your Catechism and Bible to help supplement your discussion and dive even deeper.
Learn more about both resources at www.FullLifeInChrist.org/C4