Note to the Teacher

Students will dive into the idea that our relationships and communities play a big role in shaping who we are, and it's important for us to support one another in doing good. They'll take some time to reflect on what it means to be a new creation in Christ and how collaborating with one another can strengthen their faith.

Reaction Chain (15 minutes)

Arrange students in a circle or line, giving each person a notecard with an action, such as:

“Encourage someone”
“Ignore someone”
“Help a struggling friend”
“Spread gossip”
“Pray for a friend”

Some actions are positive, while others are negative. The first student reads the action aloud and acts it out toward the next student (e.g., a high-five for encouragement, turning away for ignoring). The second student reacts naturally and then reads and acts out their own card. This continues, creating a chain reaction of effects.

Option 1: Instead of saying the actions aloud, have students act them out, making it more of a non-verbal, emotional experience.

Option 2: If you don’t have the space to make a line, consider having them play on paper. Participants consider how their actions might influence others over time (e.g., “If I encourage someone today, that person may gain confidence and encourage others later”). They then pass their responses to the next participant, who suggests a potential next step in the ripple effect (e.g., “That encouragement helps them take a leadership role in church”).

Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our scripture reading today may be familiar to you. Take a breath. Ready yourself to imagine your role in the story.

Galatians 6:1-16.

Discussion (15 minutes)

Why do you think the writer says, “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right” (Galatians 6:9)? Have you ever found yourself tired by trying to do the right things? How can we keep from becoming exhausted when serving others?
What are some ways we can encourage one another in our walk with Christ?
Why does Paul say to “work for the good of all, especially for those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10)? Does that mean we care only for other Christians? Why or why not? If we decide that means we care for all, what do you think “especially” means for those in the family of faith?
Do verses 6:2 and 6:5 confuse you or seem in conflict? How can we help those two separate sentences make sense in the context of the whole scripture?
In verses 12-13, Paul cautions against those who pride themselves on external religious acts instead of genuine heart transformation. Do you see people (in real life or in media) who might prioritize outward appearances over transformation or being a “good” person? Are there ways Christians do that same kind of thing, prioritizing outward appearance over spiritual transformation?

Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by getting students’ hands and imaginations involved. Invite students to think about the people who have made a positive impact in their lives and have inspired them to become those kinds of influencers for others.

Distribute a sheet of paper to each student and instruct them to trace their handprint. Within the handprint, students should write the names of individuals who have positively influenced them, such as family members, friends, mentors, teachers, and youth leaders. Surrounding the handprint, they will list actions they can take to positively impact others, such as encouragement, service, active listening, prayer, and support. Once completed, students will place their handprints on a communal poster titled “Shaped for Good.”

Points for discussion:

How does the collective display of our handprints symbolize the body of Christ?
What steps can you take this week to persist in doing good without becoming discouraged?

Final Thought: We are not isolated in our beliefs. Similar to how individuals have contributed positively to our development, we are tasked with the responsibility of reinforcing and uplifting one another. Through community, we can continue in the mission of Christ without weariness.

TOTAL TIME: 55 minutes