Elementary // Mercy Week 3
Memory Verse:
“But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 (NLT)
Definition
Mercy: Forgiving others even when they don’t deserve it.
Teaching Truth
We can GIVE mercy.
Questions to Ask Your Child
Read the story of Joseph from the Jesus Storybook Bible or Genesis 45:3-15. How did Joseph show mercy? What did Joseph believe was true about God?
Why was he able to give mercy to his brothers that had done such a terrible thing to him? Did Joseph expect his brothers to pay him back? Why or why not?
How are we sometimes like Joseph’s brothers? When do you need to be like Joseph and forgive someone even if they do not deserve it?
Activity
If you have a game like, Sorry! (or Trouble or Wahoo), have a family game night sometime this week! When everyone gathers around the board, explain to each person that when they roll and have the opportunity to knock someone out of a space and back to start, they can instead choose whether or not they will GIVE mercy by stopping in the space right behind the one that’s occupied. Enjoy!
While driving with your family ask for at least two ideas from every person about situations where they would have an opportunity to show/give mercy. Then ask them at the end of the day how their day went, and if there were any opportunities to give someone mercy that day.