Introduction

It can hurt when people say unkind things about  you. You might feel nervous to talk about your faith  in God because you are worried someone will laugh  or make fun of you. It can feel scary to do  something that might make you feel left out. 

This week we will learn that God still wants us to tell  others about Jesus, even when it is hard. God can  give you courage to share your faith with kindness  and love. You never know how your words might  help someone else learn about Jesus.

Planting the Seed:

God loves everyone the same—no matter where  they’re from or what they look like! 

To help Peter understand this, God gave him a  special vision. In the vision, Peter saw animals that  he had always been told not to eat. Then he heard  a voice say, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat!” Peter was  shocked—he had never eaten those kinds of animals  before! But the vision wasn’t really about food. 

God was teaching Peter something much  bigger. Later, Peter visited the home of someone  who wasn’t Jewish. That’s when Peter finally  understood—God was showing him that all people  are welcome in God’s family if they choose to follow.  God doesn’t have favorites. God wants everyone to  know love and receive the amazing gift of grace. 

Key Verse: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,  baptizing them in the name of the Father and of  the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them  to obey everything I have commanded you. And  surely I am with you always, to the very end of the  age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Bible Point: Tell everyone about Jesus.

Our Diverse World 

Take a drive as a family and talk about all the changes  you have seen in your neighborhood. What stores  have changed, what families have moved in or out,  and consider together what it is like to see changes  in life. Notice what each of you recognizes as a  change. You might have old stories of how things  were “back in the day,” or recent stories of something  you know is on the verge of changing. When you get  back home, sit down together and look at a world  map online. Write what you might have in common  with people from other countries and their own  changing neighborhoods. These could be things  like enjoying hiking, riding a bike, reading, or playing  sports. Then pray for ways to show God’s love for the  people in your neighborhood who are experiencing  some of the same changes you are. 

Ready, Set, Grow! 

Choose a way to tell someone about Jesus this  week: 

• WRITE out your faith story. Doing this will help you be prepared if someone asks  about it as you tell them about Jesus. 

• THIS week, think about someone with a different background or experience from yours. Reach out and start a conversation with them, and find a way to share Jesus’ love that connects with their life. 

• TALK with a family member about what  you each know about Jesus.