This challenge requires two jigsaw puzzles or you can make your own. On your primary puzzle, write a character trait from the list below on a piece. It’s okay if there are blank pieces left. Then take eight pieces from a different puzzle and write negative character traits on the back of each. Mix those pieces in with the primary puzzle. You will present your family with the combined puzzle to use.
Saturday, December 26, Day 7
Bible Reading: Luke 2:41-52
Bible Verse: “Jesus became wiser and stronger. He also became more pleasing to God and to people.” Luke 2:52
Interesting Facts:
- Jews were required to travel to the Temple in Jerusalem three times a year for feasts.
- Twelve years old was when Jewish boys in the time of Jesus started taking personal responsibility for their religious health and life.
Thoughts to Share: This is the only story we have about Jesus interacting with others when he was young. We learn two important things from this story. Jesus was already learning a lot about what was in the Bible that had been written down by then, our Old Testament. (The New Testament was written after Jesus went back to Heaven.) We also learn in the last verse, that Jesus did not just grow physically. He grew mentally, emotionally and spiritually. He had what we call good character. We learn later that Jesus never sinned. That means he had the character traits God wants His people to possess.
Family Fun Activity: You have in front of you a jigsaw puzzle. Take out all of the pieces and turn them upside down so you can’t see the picture. You will see that some pieces have words on the back of them. What you can’t see is that your puzzle box has some pieces that don’t belong in your puzzle! The pieces that belong in your puzzle have the character traits God wants His people to have or they have no writing on them at all. The pieces of the puzzle that have character traits that God doesn’t want His people to have written on them, don’t belong in your puzzle! Without looking at the picture, can you find the right pieces to your puzzle and put it together properly?!
Parenting Tips: Below, you will find a list of character traits mentioned in the Bible. Which ones do you and your kids already have? Which ones do each one of you need to practice more? Think of ways to encourage each other to have more godly character traits.
Godly Character Traits
While Christianity is ultimately about the heart, there are observable character traits that Christians should possess. In a Christian, these character traits should be an outward sign of a heart that loves and worships God. This list does not include every character trait, but is a good list to use when working with young people.
Commitment – Luke 9:62 – Being dedicated to God
Contentment – Philippians 4:11-12 – A state of satisfaction
Courage – Psalm 27:14 – Strength in the face of pain, fear or grief
Diligence – Proverbs 12:24 – Careful & persistent work or effort
Discernment – Hebrews 5:14 – Ability to judge well
Encouragement – Hebrews 10:25 – Giving others support, confidence or hope
Faithfulness – Romans 10:17 – Being faithful or devoted
Forgiveness – Mark 11:25 – Forgiving others
Generosity – Acts 20:35 – Giving freely without expecting anything in return
Gentleness – Titus 3:2 – Being kind and tender
Goodness – Romans 12:9 – Being morally good or virtuous
Gratefulness – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Being thankful or appreciative
Honesty – Proverbs 10:9 – Telling the truth
Hospitable – Hebrews 13:2 – Welcoming others into your home
Humility – 1 Peter 5:5 – Modest view of one’s own importance
Joyful – Proverbs 17:22 – Expressing great joy
Kindness – Ephesians 4:32 – Treating others with tenderness
Love – 1 Corinthians 13:3 – Unconditional love for others
Obedience – John 14:15 – Following God’s commands and directions
Patience – Galatians 6:9 – Accepting delays or problems without anger
Peacemaker – Matthew 5:9 – Encouraging harmony between people
Perseverance – Galatians 6:9 – Continuing to work towards goals despite problems
Purity – 1 Timothy 4:12 – Free from contamination by the world
Respectful – 1 Peter 2:17 – Showing deference or respect
Responsibility – Colossians 3:23 – Doing well what is expected, without being reminded
Self-control – Galatians 5:24-25 – Controlling negative impulses and doing what is right
Servant Heart – 1 Peter 4:10 – Willingness to love and serve others
Stewardship – 1 Peter 4:10 – Taking good care of things that have been placed under our care
Wisdom – James 1:5 – Using knowledge appropriately