Family Drama

Families can be a source of love, support and belonging, but they can also be a source of hurt and disappointment. Some kids enjoy close relationships with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, while others experience conflict, separation or strained family relationships. Because every family is different, kids may carry questions or feelings about family situations that are difficult to understand.

In this week’s Brite lesson, kids will explore the genealogy of Jesus and discover that Jesus brings hope. Jesus’ family tree included imperfect people with complicated stories, failures and broken relationships. Yet God faithfully worked through those families to accomplish His plan and bring Jesus into the world.

As you talk with your kid this week, remind them that no family is perfect because every family is made up of imperfect people. Encourage them to thank God for the people who love and care for them while also trusting Him with relationships that may be difficult. Because Jesus came to bring hope, we can trust that God is present and at work even in the messy parts of our family stories.

Here’s how we discussed this topic and how you can discuss it at home: 

Discuss: Is there such a thing as a perfect family? Why or why not?

Discuss: Have you ever known family members who didn’t get along?

Discuss: What does God have to say about that?

Say: You may have family members who don’t get along. You might even struggle to get along with some of your relatives yourself. It is normal for families to have challenges. Families are made up of people. All people sin and mess up. People tend to hurt each other, especially people who are close to them. So what do we do? Romans 12:18 says: If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. In other words, do all that you can to keep the peace. Sometimes, though, the situation is out of your control. You can also pray for your family members and ask God to work in everyone’s heart. Most of all, you can trust that God knows and loves your family. He has a great plan, even when there is drama.