The Ten Words (Part 5): The Weightiness of Family

TO START: In The Ten Words series, we explore the personal and practical foundations God gives in the Exodus story, often known as the Ten Commandments.

In the fifth message, we explore God’s guidance to honor those within our families. For followers of Jesus, recognizing the weight and sacrifice of those who raised us is a tangible way to embody God’s love and work of bringing all generations together.

TO READ: Exodus 20:12

TO DISCUSS:

(1.) What’s a habit or tradition from your upbringing that has stuck with you?

(2.) When you think about your upbringing, what one word best captures your overall experience of family?

(3.) Why is this the first horizontal relationship God addresses in the Ten Words before any other human relationship?

(4.) Which action, whether grace or gratitude, could you express in a tangible way to those who helped shape you into the person you are today?

(5.) In what ways has the church filled in the gaps or expanded your growth as a child of God?

TO CLOSE/TO PRAY: 

Leader: “Holy Spirit, we welcome you and we acknowledge that You have entrusted us to be shaped by your people” (Pause 30 seconds)

Leader: “Lord, as we reflect on our lives, would you reveal what’s in our hearts as we think about the weightiness of family.” (Pause 30 seconds)

Leader: Consider naming each of these prompts and pausing for a minute each time: 

• “Lord, would you bring to mind one person who has helped shape us in your image? Thank God for them as they come to your mind.

Leader: Invite the group to consider this: “Ask God to show you one small way to express gratitude or grace to that person today.” 

Leader: Lastly, pray something like this: God, we ask that you would continue to form us into people who honor well and love across generations both before us and behind us.