As teenagers, it can be challenging to navigate through the complexities of relationships. We often find ourselves seeking acceptance, friendship, and belonging. In today’s Sunday school lesson, we will explore two passages from the Bible that offer valuable insights into building healthy relationships: Genesis 45:1-15 and Psalm 133. These passages teach us about forgiveness, unity, and the power of God’s love in our relationships.
Bible Reading: Genesis 45:1-15
“Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, ‘Have everyone leave my presence!’ So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph! Is my father still living?’ But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years, there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise, you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’ You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.” Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward, his brothers talked with him.” (Genesis 45:1-15 NIV)
Explanation:
- Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, reconciled with them after many years.
- Joseph recognized that God had a greater purpose in his suffering and used it to save lives.
- He forgave his brothers and offered them food, shelter, and protection.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever experienced a broken relationship? How did it make you feel?
- How do you think Joseph’s brothers felt when they realized he was alive and ruling over Egypt?
- What can we learn from Joseph’s attitude towards his brothers? How does forgiveness play a role in building healthy relationships?
- Can you think of any examples in your own life where God used a difficult situation for a greater purpose?
Bible Reading: Psalm 133
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” (Psalm 133 NIV)
Explanation:
- This psalm emphasizes the importance of unity among believers.
- The image of oil represents the blessings that flow from unity.
- Unity brings joy and attracts God’s presence.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What does unity mean to you? How does it affect our relationships with others?
- Why do you think unity is so important in the body of Christ?
- How can we actively pursue unity in our families, schools, and churches?
- Have you ever experienced the blessings that come from unity? If so, share your experience with the group.
Youth Group Game: “Web of Unity”
Materials needed: String or yarn
Instructions:
- Ask the teenagers to form a circle and hold a piece of string.
- The first person holds onto one end of the string and passes the
string to someone across the circle, while holding onto a part of it. 3. Each person continues passing the string to someone else, creating a web-like pattern. 4. Encourage the group to work together to create a strong and interconnected web. 5. Once the web is complete, discuss how this activity represents unity and the importance of working together.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the lessons we have learned today about forgiveness, unity, and the power of your love in our relationships. Help us to apply these teachings to our lives and to seek reconciliation where brokenness exists. May we strive to build healthy and loving connections with others, knowing that unity brings blessings and joy. Guide us in our journey of faith, as we grow closer to you and to one another.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Remember, building healthy relationships takes time, effort, and the guidance of God’s Word. Encourage the teenagers to continue seeking God’s wisdom and applying these lessons to their daily lives.