Watch This:
Pay attention to the teacher's opening question and the statement the students read at the end.
Say This:
The teacher begins by asking, “Who is it that I aspire to be?” The word “aspire” means to have a strong desire or want.
Ask This
If I could ask five friends to describe you with one word, what words would you want them to say?
Say This:
Every day, we're becoming someone. The choices we make, the words we speak, and the way we treat others are shaping our character. As followers of Jesus, our goal isn't just to become better people. It's to become more like Him.
Ask This:
Do you remember what the teacher said at the end of the video? (Wait to see if they can remember.) He introduced an interesting challenge: “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”
Say This:
Help them understand the difference between being right vs being kind.
Ask This:
(Be prepared to share your personal examples.) Why do we sometimes feel like we have to be right? Have you ever won an argument but hurt someone's feelings in the process? How did that feel?
Read This:
Ephesians 4:14, 15
Ask This:
What does it mean to “speak the truth in love”?
Say This:
God doesn't ask us to choose between telling the truth and showing kindness. He wants us to do both. Sometimes being kind means listening instead of arguing. Sometimes it means choosing our words carefully. And sometimes it means admitting that we might be wrong. Being right doesn't give us the right to be unkind.
Do This:
Read each situation aloud. Have everyone share how they could respond with both truth and kindness. After each situation, ask:
“What could you say or do that would be both truthful and kind?”
- Situation 1:
Your brother or sister tells a story about something that happened, but you know they've gotten some of the details wrong. - Situation 2:
A friend at school says something you know isn't true and insists they're right. - Situation 3:
Someone in your family makes a mistake, and you really want to say, “I told you so!”
Ask This:
Think about the people you interact with every day. Who is someone you need to show more kindness toward, especially when you disagree with them?
Do This:
Give everyone a Post-It note and have them write the name of that person and put it on the fridge and ask them about it each day.
Say This:
The next time you find yourself in a disagreement, remember that winning an argument isn't nearly as important as honoring God in how you treat someone. You can stand for what's right without putting someone else down.
Remember This:
You can be right about what you say and wrong in how you say it. Speak the truth. Show kindness. Be like Jesus.