The Family Disciple Me Podcast // Discipleship Starts With a Conversation

THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS: Unwrap LOVE // a conversation about REALLY examining LOVE

Tosha Williams for FDM Season 5 Episode 17

What if the gifts we unwrap each Christmas could teach us something profound about love? Join me, Tosha Williams, in this story of my daughter Annalarie, whose childhood curiosity about our family's Christmas gifts is a metaphor for us to understand love. Let's examine real love versus the counterfeit versions often presented to us. Listen in, reflect on love in your own life (using the following guide), then be encouraged to let this devotion lead you into talking about love with your family and friendships this Christmas season.

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“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 CSB

SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives!  The world offers all kinds of gifts labeled “love,” but God’s faithful love is entirely unique. As we look at “The Gifts of Christmas," let’s "unwrap" God's gift of love and seek Him about how He loves us!

  • WHAT:  What is God saying through this Scripture? God is good and gives really good gifts. We can see His generosity in so many ways. God’s greatest gift is His love that never stops. The people of Israel rejoiced in this, as the leaders would proclaim "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good," and then name a way God showed His love. After each gift, the people would respond:  "His faithful love endures forever."  ~ What are some gifts you’ve received that have stopped working? Name some ways God has helped you. What can you thank God for right now?
  • WHY:  Why does this Scripture matter? While other gifts wear out or break, God’s love always lasts. Scripture says, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life…” (Psalm 23:6a NIV). Every single day, God’s love follows us, not just at Christmas, but always. Long after even the best presents are forgotten, the gift of God’s love will still be ours. ~ Can you imagine fifty years from now? What does it feel like to know that even years from today, God will still be loving you? 
  • HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth? Scripture reminds us, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV). Because God loves us, we can love others. As we unwrap His gift of love in our own lives, we can share it with others, at Christmas and always! ~ What about God’s example stands out to you? What is one way you "walk in the way of love"

SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others!  As we lead others in Devotion Driven Discipleship, Psalm 136 is an example for conversations about God's love. With those entrusted to you, share different ways He's shown you His love. After each example, repeat the refrain, “His faithful love endures forever.” This is a way to “Seek Him Speak Him”!

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The Family Disciple Me ministry exists to catalyze devotion driven discipleship in our homes and around the world. We believe that discipleship starts with a conversation, and FDM provides free, easily-accessible, biblical resources to encourage these meaningful conversations along life's way. Sign up through our website to be "the first to know" about upcoming releases and resources (including the FDM App - coming soon!!!) You can also follow Family Disciple Me on social media.

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