FIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14
FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP Facts about St. Valentine: He was a priest in the 3rd century AD. He was a bold follower of Christ who would not submit to Roman rule, especially if it meant he had to disobey God’s law and the conviction of his heart from knowing Christ. He was known for his self-sacrificing love for those he served. He is associated with romantic love because he defied the mandate of Emperor Claudius II that Roman Soldiers were not to marry. However, his greater legacy was a life lived for Christ regardless of the cultural expectations of the day. He healed and blessed many, including restoring the sight of his jailer’s blind daughter, until he was beheaded for his commitment to his faith. He died a martyr for living out his faith in Jesus Christ unswervingly. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day and all its fun, let’s remember to teach our children that we celebrate because of Valentine’s example of agape love for others and his commitment and obedience to Christ, which reflects God’s agape love for us. When we walk with Christ, our life shines His light on all those we touch – just as St. Valentine’s life did. “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
Valentine’s Dinner Discussion Name three people that you love (besides God and family). What makes you feel loved? What is one way we can show love to each other? What is one thing you love about someone in the family? Share a place you’d love to visit someday. Why? What is one thing you love about being your age right now? Why is it important to love hard-to-love people? Talk about two of your closest friends. What do you love about them? What superpower would you love to have? How would you use it to help others? What historical person would you love to meet? Why? What are some ways we can show love to people we don’t know?