Family Faith

What would Jesus do?
In the past few years the phrase "What would Jesus do" seems to have become very popular. In one of our Faith Alive at Home Activities the theme was to use the life of Jesus as a guide for our daily life. Little did I know that when I began to question my children, "What would Jesus do?" that I was starting a family tradition.

For example, when one of my children refused to share his toy I asked, "What would Jesus do?" I got all kinds of responses. "Jesus would share his toy." "Jesus wouldnšt argue." "Jesus would be happy to let someone else play with his toy."

Then one day my daughter came home and said that some children on the bus had been making fun of her. My heart ached for my little girl but I took a deep breath and said, "What would Jesus do?" Her response surprised me. She told me that she would pray to Jesus and ask him what she should do.

After a little while my daughter came back to me and to her younger sister. She said that she had prayed to Jesus and that she was sure that Jesus would forgive and love everyone, even those who hurt him! My other child gave her a hug.

Now we talk about what Jesus would do in everyday life. As a family project we made a collage. We drew pictures of how we had acted as Jesus did. We all told what our picture meant. I believe that my children are learning that to do what Jesus would do means showing love and kindness to others just as Jesus did. Maybe your family would like to complete this quiz.

What would Jesus do if...

A friend made fun of someone.	Jesus would . . .
Someone pushed him.	Jesus would . . .
A classmate spoke back to the teacher.	Jesus would . . .
A friend gave him a hug.	Jesus would . . .

For older children: What would Jesus do if...

A friend used curse words.	Jesus would . . .
Someone asked him to use cigarettes or drugs.	Jesus would . . .
A friend told him that she was lonely.	Jesus would . . .
A friend made him smile.	Jesus would . . .

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