Family Matters

CLOSING THOUGHT
In the study guide, there is an opportunity
each week to go deeper with Study Notes,
Additional Study, and Daily Devotions. These
are great ways to stay engaged and continue
growing throughout the week.
• Ask, “How can we pray for you this
week?” Invite everyone to share, but
don’t force the issue. Be sure to write
prayer requests on your Prayer and
Praise Report on page 141.
Study Notes
LIKE LAST WEEK, STEVE MENTIONED A BOOK THAT
MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO YOU IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS:
THE BLESSING BY GARY SMALLEY. THIS IS A GREAT
RESOURCE FOR HEALING WOUNDS FROM OUR OWN
PAST AND LEAVING A LEGACY OF LOVE TO OUR KIDS.
He also talked about some concrete ways you can demonstrate
love to your kids, including physical touch and encouraging
words. These are two of the “love languages” another Gary,
Gary Chapman, identifies in his book The Five Love Languages:
The Secret to Love that Lasts. In addition to touch and affirming
words, Chapmen identifies quality time, acts of service, and gifts
as other ways you can show love to not only your kids but your
spouse, friends, and parents.
Each of us has one or two primary love languages and when
others speak that language, we feel especially loved. For
example, if your language is acts of service, you may feel
cherished or appreciated when your spouse vacuums out your
car or helps with dinner. Your daughter may thrive on words of
encouragement but not notice if you do a chore for her. And your
spouse may like it if you say something kind, but won’t really feel
loved without a steady diet of hugs, kisses, or hand-holding.
• Close your meeting with prayer.
It’s important to understand others’ love languages because we
usually show love in the way we’re wired to receive it—which may
not always communicate as well to the people we care about.
Once you know and respect their love languages, you can begin
speaking, behaving, or giving in ways that truly make them feel
special.
42 Session Two
Parental Guidance Required • Part One 43