Peace: June 2021
I once heard a preacher say at a wedding to the groom, “Son, you can’t win a fight with your wife. Because even if you win, you lose.” The same thing can happen with friends and family. When we are in the middle of a disagreement it can seem almost impossible to back down, but we fail to realize that if we don’t we could lose a friend. If we can take a breath and step back, we might be able to see that what we are fighting about is rarely more important to us than the other person. When we let go of the need to ‘win’ or ‘be right’, we demonstrate to the other person that they matter to us. To make that kind of sacrifice is to make peace, and Peace is our theme for June.
Peace is proving you care more about each other than winning an argument.
R.J. Palacio, author of Wonder (an award winning book recently turned into a movie) has a teacher in the book remind kids, “If you have the choice between being right and being kind, choose being kind.” That mindset can help our children keep friends and repair relationships. This month we will look at four stories of individuals in the Bible who decided to make peace, even though it was hard.
In our first lesson this week we look at the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13, who are starting to fight over land. Abraham could have sent his nephew Lot away, but instead decides that he would rather lose some land than connection with all his relatives on Lot’s side of the family. He lets Lot take whatever land he wants and proves he cares more about others by letting go of “what’s fair”.
In week two, Isaac is faced with a tough choice as Philistines seem ready to start a fight over water. Instead of getting angry, Isaac proves he cares more about others by walking away from a fight.
In week three, David and Nabal are on a crash course straight toward disaster. Nabal’s pride and David’s anger are about to result in a senseless battle when Abigail steps in and saves the day. She proves she cares about others by helping to fix the problem.
Finally, but most importantly, we end the month being reminded that We can make peace with others because God made peace with us. God has sent His only son to die for our sins so that we can have peace with God. God asks us to pursue that same kind of peace with others.
There was an old church tradition that used to take place before a communion service. People in the congregation would kiss each other on the cheek (or shake hands) and say, “The peace of Christ be with you.” It was a hope that all conflict would end before the church broke bread together. The truth is no church or school is without times of conflict. The good news is we don’t have to let that conflict continue. May this be a month where we work toward peace in all of our relationships.
From the whole Eudo team, may God bless the peacemakers and may His Spirit strengthen you as you minister to others.
Peace Teaching Packet
The full packet includes teaching scripts, discussion questions, optional dramas, and activities. This month has some amazing fun activities to teach about friendship! This month will help your kids have a better life and be better at life!
Download Song: Ngatidananei (Love One Another) (lyrics)
Peace Posters & Graphics
Help your students and parents remember your lessons with great posters. Available in English, Shona, & Ndebele. There are two versions below, full size files for printing and smaller files for sharing on social media (via WhatsApp or Instagram).
All Five English Posters: Full File Size (Theme Poster + 4 Weekly Posters)
Peace Home & Classroom Devotions
Simple devotions for every family and classroom. Start every day the right way.
All Weeks A5 (Social Media/Phone): English, Shona, Or Ndebele