Family Activity

Above and Beyond

To answer the question of a lawyer, Jesus told a story about a hated man who stopped to help someone in need. In the time of Jesus, such help was expected, since survival depended upon neighbor helping neighbor. But the Samaritan went above and beyond what was expected.

You don't need to help a needy stranger to do something more than what was expected. Take a list of chores, for instance. (If your family doesn't have a list of chores, make one.) As your family members do their chores, encourage them to go beyond the list. Have them write down what they did that was not expected. Post their lists under the phrase "Above and Beyond." Celebrate their achievements with a special dessert and a prayer of thanks.