5 Ways a Relationship with Jesus Helps us Grow

From a very young age we teach kids that Jesus wants to be their friend. Friendship is a concept even the littlest ones can understand and it paints a sweet picture in the minds of our children of what it means to walk with Jesus. Then, as they get older, they are ready to dig deeper and consider how a relationship with Jesus helps us grow.

John chapter 15 is all about being connected to Jesus, the vine. When we cultivate our relationship with Jesus, we grow. Jesus and his beautiful character provide everything we need to flourish. Growth will come when we stay connected to Jesus as a family.

5 Ways a Relationship with Jesus Helps us Grow

Teach kids the character of their friend Jesus, starting with these five ways he helps us grow. Use the following verses and talking points to get the conversation going.

Jesus is Present.

Prepare: Let’s talk about Jesus’ presence in our lives. Put away distractions and pray, “God show us something new today!”

Learn:

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them. Matthew 18:20 NLT

Ask: What are some ways Jesus’ presence can help us?

Name the Truth: Jesus is always with us!

Take Action: How can knowing Jesus is near help you this week?

Jesus is Life-Giving.

Prepare: Let’s talk about how Jesus makes us feel alive. Put away distractions and pray, “God show us something new today!”

Learn:

For in him we live and move and have our being. Act 17:28a

Ask: How does a relationship with Jesus make us feel alive?

Name the Truth: Our friendship with Jesus gives life!

Take Action: In what areas can your life-giving friendship with Jesus help you grow?

Jesus is a Friend.

Prepare: Let’s talk about our friendship with Jesus. Put away distractions and pray, “God show us something new today!”

Learn:

I no longer call you servants. . .instead, I have called you friends. . . John 15:15 NIV

Ask: What does it mean to be Jesus’ friend?

Name the Truth: Our friendship with Jesus sets us free!

Take Action: How can you invite others into your friendship with Jesus this week?

Jesus is our Savior.

Prepare: Let’s talk about Jesus as Savior. Put away distractions and pray, “God show us something new today!”

Learn:

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10 NLT

Ask: What does it mean to be lost?

Name the Truth: Jesus is our Savior!

Take Action: How does knowing that Jesus seeks and saves help you live differently?

Jesus is Generous.

Prepare: Let’s talk about Jesus’ generosity. Put away distractions and pray, “God show us something new today!”

Learn:

Remain in me and follow my teachings. If you do this, then you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. John 15:7 ICB

Ask: Why do you think it’s important tobe connected to Jesus before we ask for what we want?

Name the Truth: When we remain in Jesus, our desires reflect him.

Take Action: What are some ways you can connect to Jesus so that what you want reflects him?

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Our relationship with Jesus is a life-long friendship. We continue to grow and produce good fruit when we stay connected to him. Show your kids ways you are committed to remain in Jesus and how that connection has helped you grow. As you purpose to share Jesus with your children, you’ll grow together in relationship with him.

Pray this Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for being our friend. We want to grow in relationship with you so that we can produce good fruit in our lives, showing others that we are your followers. Help us to keep our mind on you throughout our busy days, remembering you are with us always. Thank you for the beauty that you bring to our family. We love you, Amen.

How are you teaching your kids that a friendship with Jesus helps us grow? What are some ways you can cultivate your own relationship with him?

Get our Family Devotional Calendar all follow along for more faith-building prompts like these. Read more about it HERE.