INTRODUCTION

Joseph Dreams Disturbing Dreams

Bible Point:

Show Jesus’ love in our families.

Key Verse:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

Big Picture:

Practice showing love to members of your family.

Joseph Dreams Disturbing Dreams

Genesis 37:1-11

You have probably seen people argue or disagree at school or at home. You may have even been part of a conflict yourself. Those moments can make you feel upset, confused, or curious about what will happen next. This week, you will have a safe place to think about how words and actions can help or hurt. You will learn that God’s peace and love can guide you in handling conflict in a better way. God can bring healing where there has been hurt and help you choose actions that lead to peace.

PLANTING THE SEED

Jacob’s favorite son was Joseph, and everyone knew it. His brothers could see and feel the lack of love from their father, and it hurt them deeply. Joseph added to the tension by reporting on his brothers to their father. Can you imagine how angry and embarrassed they must have felt? On top of that, Jacob gave Joseph a special, expensive robe while the others received nothing. No wonder resentment grew.

Then Joseph shared the dreams God gave him, dreams that showed him in an honored place above his family. But the way he shared them made his brothers feel even smaller and less loved. Instead of bringing them closer, it pushed them further apart.

This family struggled with favoritism, jealousy, and hurtful words. But healthy families look different: they treat each member with fairness and respect. In healthy relationships, people can share their feelings honestly without fear, and even disagreements or conflicts can lead to better understanding instead of anger. Imagine if Joseph’s family had listened to each other’s feelings, talked through their jealousy, and worked toward kindness instead of hate. Their home would have been much more peaceful.

How about your family? What are some ways you can practice understanding, kindness, and love, even when you don’t agree?

BIBLE POINT

Show Jesus’ love in our families.

KEY VERSE

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

FAMILY FUN

One night after dinner, create an affirmation circle by placing a chair in the center of the room. Each family member takes a turn sitting in the chair while the others each say one thing they like about that person.

ASK YOUR FAMILY

• Talk about a time you were really mad.

• What is the best way you can think of to show a family member you love them?

READY, SET, GROW!

Choose a way that you can show love this week to your family member! It may be something like helping around the house, or giving a small homemade gift to a family member you notice struggling, or simply saying “I love you” to your family before heading to school for the day. Get creative and consider ways you can show love this week.