JOY- Champions by the Fruit of the SpiritSample

Joy vs. Ungratefulness

Bible story: Jesus heals 10 lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

Theme Verse: Psalm 100:4

We have looked at various sins that can steal our joy this week, but the most aggressive thief of our joy is a simple thing: ungratefulness. Simply, it is the attitude of not showing appreciation for the things we have received.

These could be objects like food and clothing, relationships like our families, or even opportunities.

We do not deserve anything. However, we can sometimes act entitled, as though we are owed something. We may feel we are owed respect, or we may feel that we are owed a happy life. However, we are not. God never said that life would be easy; in fact, He said quite the opposite!

In today's Bible story, 10 men were sick with leprosy. One day as Jesus was going into their village, these 10 men shouted out to Him, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"

Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priest, and as they went, they were healed! One of the men returned and threw himself at Jesus' feet, and thanked Him.

Then Jesus wondered what happened with the other nine men who were healed that day. Why did they not return to thank Jesus? Do you think they felt entitled to their healing? Do you suppose they actually felt like Jesus owed them this healing? Maybe they just quickly forgot the pain of the leprosy, and moved quickly into their new lives.

However, true joy can only come when we can fully realize that no one owes us anything at all. God does not owe us healings, or money, or fame, or opportunities, or relationships. Each wonderful thing that we have is a gift, and something for which we should be thankful.

What things do you feel you should always receive? How about your lunch every day. Do you always expect your mother to provide that? What if she could not provide your lunch every day? Can you take a moment to thank God and your mother for the lunches you have received?

The more we expect everything good in our lives, the more angry and bitter we will become. However, the more we can be grateful for the things we have, the more joy we will have.

Questions:

1. What things can we do to show we are grateful?

2. What is so great about heaven?

3. How can we be thankful when life is so bad?

Life Application:

Thank your parents (or someone else) for something they give you every day. Choose something to go without for a while, as a reminder that you may not always have it.

Want more?

This reading plan is taken from Equip & Grow's children's curriculum, looking at being a champion by putting into practice the Fruit of the Spirit. Enjoy this plan at home, and then do the full curriculum at church with student books, games, crafts, songs, decorations, and more!

https://www.childrenareimportant.com/champions/