1. Empowered 2 Act Lesson 2: Value of Self

2. Goals Self-image influences thoughts and actions. Self-image influences thoughts and actions. People used worldly standards to measure value. People used worldly standards to measure value. Jesus loves you so much that He died on the cross for you. Jesus loves you so much that He died on the cross for you. Personal talents should be used to serve our Lord. Personal talents should be used to serve our Lord. Dating decisions are influenced by our self-image. Dating decisions are influenced by our self-image.

3. Discussion Name some common physical traits that indicate someone is attractive. Name some common physical traits that indicate someone is attractive.

4. Discussion Standards of beauty have changed over time. "Ultra-thin" and "pleasantly plump" have both been popular. Long hair vs. short hair is a constant style issue. What changes in style will occur in the future? Standards of beauty have changed over time. "Ultra-thin" and "pleasantly plump" have both been popular. Long hair vs. short hair is a constant style issue. What changes in style will occur in the future?

5. Discussion Who is primarily responsible for setting the rules regarding beauty? Who is primarily responsible for setting the rules regarding beauty?

6. Discussion Besides physical looks, what other personal traits tend to increase a person’s value or perceived value? Besides physical looks, what other personal traits tend to increase a person’s value or perceived value?

7. Discussion 1 Peter 3:3,4 says that beauty should not come from outward appearance and even references braided hair and jewelry. Does this mean you should not wear jewelry or make yourself attractive?

8. Discussion We know that God tells us that He loves us unconditionally and that we are special in His eyes. Why is that statement so hard to believe? We know that God tells us that He loves us unconditionally and that we are special in His eyes. Why is that statement so hard to believe?

9. Discussion Imagine a condition that caused a weight gain of 200 pounds. How would you respond if that happened to: Imagine a condition that caused a weight gain of 200 pounds. How would you respond if that happened to: Your best friend One of your teachers Someone who is generally mean to you You How would that person’s value change? Your best friend One of your teachers Someone who is generally mean to you You How would that person’s value change?

10. A Look Inside: Self-Evaluation Form List your positive traits. List your positive traits. If you could change some things about yourself, list what they would be? If you could change some things about yourself, list what they would be? List characteristics that you value in others. List characteristics that you value in others. List characteristics that you want in a person you date. List characteristics that you want in a person you date.

11. A Look Inside: Self-Evaluation Form continued… Take a minute and think, realistically, about your ideal spouse (forget the billionaire or supermodel!!). List those characteristics you want that person to have? Take a minute and think, realistically, about your ideal spouse (forget the billionaire or supermodel!!). List those characteristics you want that person to have? Assuming you find the ideal person who is your perfect match, list what you are doing now to live up to some of those traits? Assuming you find the ideal person who is your perfect match, list what you are doing now to live up to some of those traits? If you mess up in some way, how can you be sure that God will forgive you and help you make positive changes? If you mess up in some way, how can you be sure that God will forgive you and help you make positive changes?

12. Activity: Empowered Relationships A strong relationship with Christ is the foundation for positive dating relationships and eventually a great marriage relationship. This assignment is to consider the following: Jesus Christ is the most important person in your life and He wants a stronger relationship with you. Consider that thought between today and the next session.

13. Activity: My Decisions Make a mental note of any decisions that you make before the next class. Some could be big, but most will be relatively minor. Still, keep track of each decision and come next time prepared to talk about those choices that were made. Also note how God’s Word played into your decisions.

14. Activity: You are Special Write down at least one positive trait of every other person in the group – none of which are physical.

15. Activity: Too Hot to Handle? Role-play a dating situation in which the boyfriend feels he is so hot that his girlfriend should feel honored to become sexually active with him. Then do another role-play reversing the roles.

16. Activity: What do you Think? Comment on the following statements: People who have the healthiest self-image are those who take good care of themselves. People who have the healthiest self-image are those who take good care of themselves. The best way to feel good about yourself is to find one or two of your strengths and work every day to build on them. The best way to feel good about yourself is to find one or two of your strengths and work every day to build on them.

17. Activity: What do you Think? Continued… People who have a positive self-image are usually focused on serving others. People who have a positive self-image are usually focused on serving others. God gives us our talents, but our self-worth is determined by how we use those talents. God gives us our talents, but our self-worth is determined by how we use those talents. God expects us to treat people differently based on their talents. We know that because God is the One who gives different talents to people. God expects us to treat people differently based on their talents. We know that because God is the One who gives different talents to people.