INSTRUCTIONS: Spark conversations about biblical truth by discussing the “News Nugget” below. Bring it up in conversation, as a discussion-starter at the beginning of your gathering, as a small-group discussion-starter, or as part of a Bible study. Add any additional information and new developments. Then discuss the event or story through the lens of one or more biblical themes. You can even send these discussion-starters to your teenagers as catalysts for conversations with friends and family.
News Nugget: In communities throughout the Midwest, residents are building boxes and filling them with nonperishable food and personal-hygiene items. Anyone with needs can help themselves to the contents of these so-called Blessing Boxes. Eric Escamilla, who built one in his Texas town, says, “It’s time to stop having ideas about how to help other people. It’s time to actually help other people.” After Jeannetta Presley of Indiana set up a Blessing Box with a sign that read “Take what you need, bring what you can,” more people stopped by to donate items than to take them. Now she stores the overflow in her home until there’s room in the box.
Themes to Explore:
- Blessed to be a blessing (see Genesis 12:1-5)
- Bless the Lord (see Psalm 103:1-5, ESV)
- Meeting needs—and having needs met (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
Discussion Questions:
- How do you define “blessing,” and what are your main blessings from God? What gifts—or challenges—might you have overlooked that are actually blessings in disguise?
- God already has everything he needs, so how is it possible for us to bless him? Is it necessary to be anonymous when we serve or give if we want to bring glory to Jesus, not to ourselves? Why or why not
- What are some ways you strive to bless people in your day-to-day life? What blessings have you experienced in return? In what ways do you allow yourself to be blessed by other people?