Lesson 10

WE APPRECIATE GOD’S GOODNESS AND MERCY Religion - Lesson 10

WE EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE TO GOD How do you show appreciate when someone gives you a gift? Why have your parents taught you to thank others when they give you a gift or do something for you? We receive many good things from our parents, relatives, and friends, but daily and richly we receive all we need for our bodies and lives from God. Today we are going to answer the question, HOW DO WE SHOW THAT WE APPRECIATE GOD’S GOODNESS AND MERCY?

WITH OUR VOICES Evaluate this statement: In our prayers we ask God for things more often than we thank him for what he has given. Part of our common table prayer is based on Psalm 118:1 According to these words, what is our reason for thanking God?

WITH OUR VOICES What evidence do you see in your life that God is good and that his love endures forever? Read Psalm 103:2. Why do you think God tells us not to forget his benefits? Recall the Bible story of the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:1-8). Why did this man appreciate what to us is a simple process of getting up and walking around?

WITH OUR VOICES “ Every morning when you go out to your car to leave for work, I hear you singing, “Now Thank We All Our God,” a wealthy man observed as he talked with his poorer neighbor. “Yet, your job pays very little, you have a large family that depends on you, and your wife isn’t well. I don’t understand how you can be thankful. You must have trouble making ends meet.” “ The last thing you said is true,” admitted the poorer man. “But we thank God for what we have, because what God has given us is for our benefit; and we thank him for what we don’t have, because we don’t need it.”

WITH OUR VOICES Evaluate this statement: Thankful people are happy people. Mr. Duncan had suffered for 15 years with severe back pain. Finally one day a friend told him about a doctor who worked wonders with back pain. After the doctor treated him, Mr. Duncan felt better than he had in years. He felt so good that he took a bouquet of flowers to the doctor’s office along with a thank-you note. And whenever he heard of a person who had injured his back, he recommended his doctor. He praised the doctor and told everyone how the doctor had relieved his pain.

WITH OUR VOICES God has done much more for us than any doctor ever could. He has given us all we have, helped us in our troubles, and given us the assurance that he has prepared a home for us in heaven. How do we thank him for what he has done?

SUMMARY We thank and praise God.

BREAK IT UP How can you express thanks for your school and church property?

WITH OUR LIVES “ Did I see you working in Mr. Crahn’s yard today?” Jeff’s father looked puzzled. “Did you finally take my advice and find a way to earn some money?” “ Actually,” Jeff answered, “we were working for free. Mr. Crahn has been letting us use the basketball hoop beside his driveway. Now that his children are gone, he said we might as well use it. It’s the best spot in the neighborhood for basketball. Last week when Mr. Crahn was doing yard work, we noticed that his arthritis makes it hard for him to do the work. We promised that we would take care of his yard all summer. It’s our way of saying thank-you.” Don’t worry, Dad,” Jeff said with a mischievous grin. “I’ll still need to come begging for money.”

WITH OUR LIVES Jeff’s offer to help his neighbor reminds us that we can express our thanks with more than just words. How can you show your appreciation to your parents for the things they do for you?

WITH OUR LIVES Recall the healing of the demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-20). List some of the evidence that the demons made life miserable for the man with the evil spirit. What was the man’s reaction to Jesus’ gift of freedom from the murderous demons? Jesus didn’t let the man go with him. Instead, he told him to go home and tell his family what Jesus had done. Why do you think he did that?

WITH OUR LIVES When Mrs. Thompson found out that her mother had incurable cancer and that she would probably live only another year, she quit her job. She wanted to care for her mother. “Don’t do that,” her mom protested. “You’ve worked hard to build your career.” That’s okay, Mom,” Mrs. Thompson answered. “I want to.” Why do you think Mrs. Thompson was wiling to quit her job when she had a promising career?

WITH OUR LIVES Psalm 116:12 - We know we can’t repay God for his goodness. Yet the psalm writer wished he could. Read the context of the verse and explain why he wanted to repay God. 1 Corinthians 6:20 - What does it mean that we were bought at a price?

WITH OUR LIVES “ I thought you were having a sleepover,” Mrs. Woodworth commented as Angie came through the door. “ We were,” Angie sighed. “But Melissa’s parents weren’t home, and some boys showed up with cigarettes and beer, so I left. I didn’t want to do anything that would break the law or dishonor God.” According to 1 Corinthians 6:20, why did Angie leave the sleepover?

WITH OUR LIVES How might you express your appreciation for the following? Your baptism Your parents Your daily food, clothes, and shelter Any blessing you have received, in addition to those you need.

SUMMARY We serve and obey God.

Lesson 10

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