The Symbols of Fire and Light
Think about the sun. It is a huge ball of fire that provides energy in the forms of heat and light that we must have in order to survive. We can't live without heat and light and that is why fire is a great symbol for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like fire. The Holy Spirit gives us energy for good living. In the following video we'll explore how fire provides us with light and vision and how light symbolically teaches us that the Holy Spirit wants to give each of us a new vision for our relationships, especially our difficult relationship. Think about how you can see things and people in new ways as you watch this video.
Let the Holy Spirit Fix your Relationships
You will need a blank piece of paper and a pen or pencil for this activity.
Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." -Matthew 5:43-44
The light of the Holy Spirit gives you the ability to see new possibilities for your difficult relationships. If you are willing to work toward those new possibilities, the Holy Spirit will transform your difficult relationships into something better.
Part 1: The Relationship
On a blank piece of paper, write the name of a person you are having problems with.
Part 2: The Challenge
Describe the challenges you face with this relationship to the parent or sponsor who is viewing this webpage with you. Write down a few words that you think capture the core of the problem.
Part 3: The Vision
Describe what the relationship would look like if it were better. What kinds of new things would happen in the relationship if it were better? This is the vision that the light of the Holy Spirit is helping you to see. Write down a few words that you think capture the core of your vision for a better relationship.
Part 4: The Possibilities
How can you make the vision in part 3 a reality? Well, one thing is certain, if you want a new relationship, you can't keep doing things and saying things the way you are currently doing things and saying things. If you aren't willing to change, the relationship doesn't have much chance of changing. Also, it's not wise to wait for the other person to make the first move. You can be the leader!
Brainstorm with your parent or sponsor a list of possible ways you might be able to improve the relationship. Think big! You won't be doing all of the brainstormed ideas so you can add some crazy ones just to get your creative juices flowing. Sometimes a crazy idea will spark a really good practical one. Don't discuss the ideas, just get as many on paper as you can (shoot for at least five ideas).
Part 5: The Commitment
Now it is time to get focused. Pick two or three of the ideas from your list that seem like good ideas to you. Write them down and talk about how you will accomplish them.
Part 6: The Support
This is the hardest part. You need to start applying the three things from Part 5 today or tomorrow. The parent and sponsor should agree to check in with you at least each week to see how you are doing with this relationship. If things don’t improve, go back to your list of ten ideas and see if there is another one that might work. Don’t give up and don’t forget to pray for this person as you work to fix this relationship. The Holy Spirit is working with you by inspiring good ideas and through the support you are getting from your parent/sponsor.
Part 7: The Celebration
As soon as you notice improvement in the relationship, you and your parent/sponsor should plan on doing something you both enjoy to celebrate the success. The adult will pay the bill!
Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." -Matthew 5:43-44
The light of the Holy Spirit gives you the ability to see new possibilities for your difficult relationships. If you are willing to work toward those new possibilities, the Holy Spirit will transform your difficult relationships into something better.
Part 1: The Relationship
On a blank piece of paper, write the name of a person you are having problems with.
Part 2: The Challenge
Describe the challenges you face with this relationship to the parent or sponsor who is viewing this webpage with you. Write down a few words that you think capture the core of the problem.
Part 3: The Vision
Describe what the relationship would look like if it were better. What kinds of new things would happen in the relationship if it were better? This is the vision that the light of the Holy Spirit is helping you to see. Write down a few words that you think capture the core of your vision for a better relationship.
Part 4: The Possibilities
How can you make the vision in part 3 a reality? Well, one thing is certain, if you want a new relationship, you can't keep doing things and saying things the way you are currently doing things and saying things. If you aren't willing to change, the relationship doesn't have much chance of changing. Also, it's not wise to wait for the other person to make the first move. You can be the leader!
Brainstorm with your parent or sponsor a list of possible ways you might be able to improve the relationship. Think big! You won't be doing all of the brainstormed ideas so you can add some crazy ones just to get your creative juices flowing. Sometimes a crazy idea will spark a really good practical one. Don't discuss the ideas, just get as many on paper as you can (shoot for at least five ideas).
Part 5: The Commitment
Now it is time to get focused. Pick two or three of the ideas from your list that seem like good ideas to you. Write them down and talk about how you will accomplish them.
Part 6: The Support
This is the hardest part. You need to start applying the three things from Part 5 today or tomorrow. The parent and sponsor should agree to check in with you at least each week to see how you are doing with this relationship. If things don’t improve, go back to your list of ten ideas and see if there is another one that might work. Don’t give up and don’t forget to pray for this person as you work to fix this relationship. The Holy Spirit is working with you by inspiring good ideas and through the support you are getting from your parent/sponsor.
Part 7: The Celebration
As soon as you notice improvement in the relationship, you and your parent/sponsor should plan on doing something you both enjoy to celebrate the success. The adult will pay the bill!