Here is an activity for your [tag]Bible study lessons[/tag] for older children, that tackles the subject of appearing “cool” to your peers at the expense of someone else’s feelings.
Christian Virtues Bible Study: “Acceptance or Too Cool?”
(Teacher words in bold.)
Give the kids a sheet with the following story on it and several options. Tell them to pick the option they would choose and to write down why:
A student is having a birthday party next week. If you’re a girl, pretend it’s a girl. If you’re a boy, pretend it’s a boy. Here is the story:
He (she) is someone who gets kidded in class, but inside you think is a pretty good kid. One of your friends made fun of him when he sang during a play you went to last year. He missed some funny high notes, and you laughed when all your friends did. This kid helped you with a difficult homework problem recently in class. You thanked him, but when he asked you to sit with him at lunch, you went to your friends’ table instead. He said hi to you in the hall the next couple of days, but after you just nodded your head and half smiled a few times, and he stopped saying “hi.”
It is four weeks after the day when he helped you with your homework and you did not sit with him at lunch. You get an invitation to the party. How would you feel/what would you do? Pick any below and/or write your own:
– Be joyful that they asked and be excited at the party and play the games.
– Don’t respond and don’t go.
– Sometime before the party, go up to him and try to explain why you’ve been “cold” lately.
– Sleep over at a friend’s house and tell him you have something else to go to.
– Go to the party but leave after a half-hour.
– Make up an excuse but send a gift with a friend.
– Send a “no” response.
– Your Own
Have them discuss the situation among themselves until the lesson is ready to start. Impress upon them that every situation is different, and there is no perfect answer above; however, some options are more likely to show our [tag]Christian virtue[/tag]. Ask what is more important: saving face by ignoring the nerd or making him feel loved and not caring how other classmates feel about you.
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