Hands-On Faith - Week of July 15, 2013

Hands-on Faith for Families– week of 7/15/13

Good Motives

Psalm 139:23

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Talking to God

Thank God that He motivates us to do the right things. Ask Him to help you bring

Him honor through your good choices.

Diving In

Make a "good deeds chain." Cut several strips of paper into equal lengths. On each strip, write one good deed that could be done for a family member or friend.

Using glue or tape, form the strips of paper into interlocking loops (a chain). Each family member can remove one loop per day and do that good deed for someone else. Here's the catch: Don't tell the person that you did it. Let goodness be your focus instead of getting recognition for doing something good.

Going Deeper

It's nice when we're noticed for doing good. But we shouldn't do good deeds simply because we want to be noticed by others. Jesus said, "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1). The reason why we do something (motivation) is just as important as what we do (good deed). True goodness is motivated by our love for God and our desire to please Him. Our love for Him is the best motivation for doing good because it brings God honor.

Talking to Each Other

• Tell about a time when you did something good because you wanted to be liked or noticed by others

• Is it more difficult to do a good deed if you know no one will notice it? Why or why not?

• Why is God pleased when you do good deeds in secret?

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