Talking Points:
- God the Father spoke publicly about the Son twice in the gospel of Matthew. Both times it was to affirm him. Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5
- If the perfect Son of God received words of affirmation from his Father, how much more do our imperfect kids need affirmation from their parents? Every kid – even the most challenging ones – need and deserve affirmation. Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 16:24, Ephesians 4:32
- Remember the 3 B’s of loving affirmation: Be intentional. Be authentic. Be unique.
- Use the 3 T’s of loving affirmation: Talk, Time, and Touch. It’s helpful to understand your child’s love language as you apply these strategies.
Discussion:
- Describe the “love” climate in your home growing up (affectionate/affirming or cold/distant?) How have those family dynamics affected the way you express love to your kids?
- Read Matthew 3:17 and Matthew 17:5. What stands out to you about what God said? Why was it important for him to speak those words?
- Read Proverbs 16:24. Share a personal experience you’ve had with the power of positive words. How have you seen encouraging words impact your kids in the past?
- Read Ephesians 4:32. Identify the behaviors in each of your kids that frustrate you. How do you need to be more tender-hearted toward your kids in those areas?
- Review the 3 B’s. What does it look like for you to be intentional with affirmation moving forward? Identify three unique traits for each of your kids that you will work to affirm more.
- What would quality time look like with each of your kids? What will that time communicate to them?
- Why is affection an important part of expressing love? How do you need to improve in this area and what kind of affection do each of your kids need?
- Are you familiar with the 5 love languages? What would you guess is your kid’s language? How can knowing their language help you to love them more?
See Also: