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Hands-On Faith - Week of July 22, 2013

Hands-on Faith for Families– week of 7/22/13

Mirroring Goodness

2 Thessalonians 1:11

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

Talking to God

Thank God for His goodness in us. Ask Him to help you reflect His goodness to others.

Diving In

Take a small mirror and stand near a window where the sunshine is bright. (If there is no bright sunshine, use a lamp.) Tilt the mirror so that it reflects the light. Take turns holding the mirror and shining the sun's light on each other. Avoid shining the light in people's eyes. Instead, focus it on their hearts.

Going Deeper

Those who stood in the reflected light of the mirror could see that the light came through the window and not from the person holding the mirror. In the same way,

we can reflect God's goodness to others. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." God’s goodness shines through you and has the power to change hearts. When you do good for others, you are mirroring God’s goodness to them.

Talking to Each Other

• In what ways can you mirror God's goodness to others today?

• A dirty mirror dulls reflections. What can blur your reflection of God's goodness?

• What can you do to keep your mirror bright and clean?

www.thrivingfamily.com

From Focus on the Family's Thrivingfamily.com. © [2011] [Jeanne Gowen Dennis]. Used by permission.