GROWING OBJECTIVES To identify things that grow. To identify people in your life who love you. To understand that God loves you too. To identify ways to help friendships grow. To become aware of five ways to help you grow in your friendship and relationship with Jesus. PREPARATION/MATERIALS NEEDED 1. Provide a "Review and Focus" Activity Page 5 for each learner. 2. Provide Discipleship Activity Pages, "Growing," for each learner. 3. Complete the Discipleship Activity Pages, "Growing," before the session so you will be familiar with all concepts. REVIEW/FOCUS (5-10 Minutes) [Guided Conversation] What are some things we learned in the last lesson about prayer? [Allow learners to respond. Possible Answers: God wants you to talk with Him about everything. You can talk with God any time, anywhere, silently or out loud. God always answers your prayers. Sometimes He says "yes," sometimes "no," sometimes "wait awhile;" sometimes God says "I have something better for you."] Confession is part of prayer. It means telling God you agree with Him that what you thought or did was wrong. Confessing helps you know God loves and forgives you. Telling God and others the truth helps you become a person of integrity. Here is a word puzzle for each of you to complete, to review and remind you of what to do when you think, say or do something wrong. (Activity Page 5) Please complete the puzzle by answering the question, "What are three steps that can be taken whenever you think, say or do something wrong?" Circle the key words hidden in the puzzle. The words go up and down or straight across. [Answers: 1. Agree with God that what you thought, said or did was not what He wanted. 2. Thank Jesus for forgiving the wrong things you think, say or do (your sins). 3. Trust God to help change your thoughts, words and actions.]

The daily process of character building includes learning to pray, learning to read the Bible, being with other Christians, learning to tell others about Jesus and choosing to obey God. When individuals live out their commitment to follow the teachings of Christ on a daily basis, their Christian worldview becomes a strong influence on the actions and teachings of society. A Christian foundation also provides a framework to respond to educational, social and political challenges.

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