One phenomenon the world faces is that of single parents, often but not always a woman as the single parent.

Sometimes we think of single parents as those who have conceived a child out of wedlock. However, that is not always the case. Hagar was pressured into having a child with Abraham, and then was forced to leave with her child (Gen. 16:3-4; Gen. 21:17).

Preparing for Death

Bathsheba became pregnant as a result of the sexual advance of a powerful man (2 Sam. 11:4-5). Elijah was sent to a village called Zarephath to help a single mother who was a widow (1 Kings 17:9). By the time Jesus began His ministry, Joseph, His adoptive father, had died, leaving Mary a widow and a single parent. “Death had separated her from Joseph, who had shared her knowledge of the mystery of the birth of Jesus. Now there was no one to whom she could confide her hopes and fears. The past two months had been very sorrowful”. – Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 145.

Being a single parent is perhaps one of the most challenging jobs a person can have. Many face difficulties, such as managing their finances, dealing with the other parent, or simply having time just for themselves or to spend time with God, and wondering whether they will ever be loved again.

What promises can anyone, including single parents, take from the following verses: Jer. 31:25; Matt. 11:28; Jer. 29:11; Jer. 32:27; Prov. 3:5-6; Isa. 43:1-2.

We as a church have the responsibility to help single parents. James wrote, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble” (James 1:27, NKJV). One could add, in principle, “and single parents in their trouble, too”. The help we can offer does not have to just be financial. We could allow them to have some respite by taking their children for a little while so they can do other chores, rest, pray, and study God’s Word. We can serve as mentors to their children or help repair things around the house. We can be God’s hands in numerous ways to help support single parents.

Amen!(0)

Key Thought: In whatever situation we find ourselves concerning children, we know that God’s desire is for our good. There is a huge responsibility in parenting and many challenges.

May 25, 2019

1. Have a volunteer read Psalm 127.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What is the basic message of this psalm?
3. Personal Application: What principles should we have for ourselves in living and parenting? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “How do I know that I’m raising my kids the right way? What promise do I have that if I raise my kids right, they will grow up to bless me and the family?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Samuel 3:10-14.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What was the result of this parenting style?
3. Personal Application: What were the negative principles of parenting the Eli displayed here? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “I don’t believe in conflict, so I tell my kids what they should do, but I give them the choice on whether they do it or not. I don’t want them to hate me or argue or yell at me.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 22:6.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What does this passage really say to us?
3. Personal Application: What is your experience in raising your children according to the Bible? Is this passage true? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I sent all my kids to church school and they attended Sabbath school and church every week. Two of my kids are marginal church attendees, while one doesn’t go. He likes beer and pork. What did I do wrong?” How would you reply to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 29:11.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What does it mean that God wants to give us an expected end?
3. Personal Application: How confident are you that God loves and cares for you and watches over you to the end? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!(0)