God's Unconditional Love

Read the following story aloud, and then use the questions to start a faith conversation:

Once upon a time there was a young girl named Susie.  She was a beautiful little girl with the most wonderful doll collection in the world.  Her father traveled all over the world on business, and for nearly 12 years he had brought dolls home to Susie.  In her bedroom, she had shelves of dolls form all over the United States and from every continent on Earth.  She had dolls that could sing and dance and do just about anything a doll could possibly do.

One day, one of her father's business acquaintances came to visit. At dinner he asked Susie about her wonderful doll collection.  After dinner Susie took him by the hand and showed him these marvelous dolls from all over the world.  He was very impressed.  After he took the grand tour and was introduced to many of the beautiful dolls, he asked Susie, "With all these precious dolls, you must have one that is your favorite. Which one is it?"  Without a moment's hesitation Susie went to her old beat-up toy box and started pulling out toys.  From the bottom of the box she pulled out one of the most ragged dolls you have ever seen.  There were only a few strands of hair left on the head.  The clothing had long since disappeared.  The doll was filthy from many years of play outside.  One of the buttons for the eyes was hanging down with only one strand of string to keep it connected.  Stuffing was coming out at the elbow and knee.  Susie handed the doll to the gentlemen and said, "This doll is my favorite."

The man was shocked and asked, "Why this doll with all these beautiful dolls in your room?"

She replied, "If I didn't love this doll nobody would!"

That single statement moved the businessman to tears.  It was such a simple statement, yet so profound.  The little girl loved her doll unconditionally.  She loved the doll not for its beauty or abilities but simply because it was her very own.

1. How does this story relate to the love God has for us?
2. Are there any stories in the Bible that remind you of this story?
3. Why do many people have a hard time accepting God's unconditional love?

Asking

Use the following questions to start a faith conversation:

1. What comes to mind when you think about prayer?
2. What is the absolutely best place for you to pray?  Why?
3. What is the worst place for you to pray?  Why?
4. What is the hardest thing about prayer?  Why?
5. What is the greatest thing about prayer?  Why?

Thanksgiving

The following is known as "The Serenity Prayer," written by Friedrich Christoph Oetinger.  Read this prayer aloud, and then use the questions to start a faith conversation.

Lord, give me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Give me the courage

To change the things I can, and

The wisdom to distinguish

The one from the other.

1. What truths do you find in this prayer?
2. How can we, as a family, use this prayer to make our family stronger?
3. For what do we need serenity?  For what do you need courage?
4. How can prayer keep you focused on giving thanks to God?

Pray for the situations just discussed.  Then list how as family members you can help and encourage each other in the situations.