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I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS: Tough Love


Icebreaker:

What is your favorite Christmas movie?
What is your favorite Christmas movie quote?

Overview:

In the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” angel Clarence Odbody is forced to lovingly deliver some tough love when George wishes he had never been born. Clarence grants his wish lamenting that there must be an easier way to get his wings. After George has a frightening experience of what life would have been like had he never been born, Clarence says, “Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” In the end, George realizes how wonderful his life truly is despite its difficulties.

Truth without love is brutality, and love without truth is hypocrisy.  -- Warren W. Wiersbe

God loved us so much that He sent His Son as the Baby Jesus to redeem us. He has placed preachers, teachers and a church in our lives to give us direction so we can mature in our faith. He disciplines us with tough love as every good parent does. He only wants the best life for us. He wants us to find our way home.

And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.  It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ – Luke 15:31-32 ESV

Discussion:

Read Ephesians 4:11-16 and Hebrews 12:5-8.

Who has God placed in your life to remind you of your wonderful life?
What is the responsibility of preachers and teachers in our development?
Why does God discipline those He loves?
What does a “legitimate child” of God mean to you?
Who in your life needs your tough love?
How does Christmas give you love opportunities?
What can you do this season to help someone find their way home to God?


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