Heart Talk Notes: Peace with Your Children's Father
We’re excited to invite you to a special edition of Heart Talk—our weekly gathering for Black Christian moms designed to nurture faith, foster deep connections, and empower personal growth. Normally closed to members, we’re opening our circle for our “Peace Challenge” to include friends and visitors who want to experience the power of this community!
The conversation was very necessary and timely. The stories and experiences shared ranged from co-parenting, to strife and pain, to seeing fruit in marriages.
Passage Link: Matthew 5:31-48
Passage Overview:
Why do you think Jesus talks about marriage, vows, and then connects it to evil people and treating those who harm you with love?
because we are married to sinful people and are sinful ourselves
marriage is an example of God's faithful love despite our brokenness
all relationships require kingdom principles of love, kindness, compassion, humility
God has a sense of humor and Jesus knows our humanity
What has God placed on your heart as you read these verses:
on the surface it seems like God is allowing us to be harmed, but really it is a code of conduct...no need for revenge, aggression, willingness to break the cycle and embody peace and love
deepen our understanding of breaking a cycle of what the world says coparenting should look like
when it's about a child we have a responsibility to them to put our armor on daily and know who we are serving, we're serving God
vulnerability - It doesn't always feel like God is protecting us in these moments. Does God see the pain that we are in? Go deeper and you will see that the path towards surrendering to His plan is paved with goodness and protection. There is no hope in revenge or keeping a record of wrongs.
Grow Deeper:
No matter where we fall in the spectrum with our feelings or relationship with our children's father. Pray over these scriptures with honest reflection on where you are.
1. Do you need to repent and forgive for any offenses? Ask Holy Spirit to help give you spiritual eyes to see and grow.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:38-39
2. Do you need Holy Spirit to help you in endurance in your relationship? You may FEEL like you don't have anything left to give. The Father can fill you up.
And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. Matthew 5:41-42
3. Are you dealing with what feels like an enemy? Pray through these verses. While being reminded that we fight a spiritual battle and that man is your brother.
3 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers,[c] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48
Fruit to Chew On:
1. Testimony from a sister: Your prayer will change from "God, fix him. God, help him to repent" to "What do you want me to say in this moment? How do you want me to respond? Help me to be clothed with compassion and humility." This heart posture has changed this sister's marriage, the fruit of repentance is evident.
2. The command is to love and pray. What is the point of loving an enemy or a friend? We're being transformed when we pray, we are image bearers of Him to display His glory.
3. We need to approach with a level of humility and sobriety, don't always assume that as the woman you are the one who is right. Sometimes you have been an offender of God and need to repent.
4. Taking the initiative to engage from a source that is God's love and not our logic. It requires complete surrender of our thoughts, feelings, and will to walk in obedience to Christ.
5. When you choose to follow their behavior, they become your Lord.
Self-Care for moms can begin with a change in our mindset. It is especially important when dealing with the stressors that come in this world. These Affirmations were designed to help you use your faith to support your mental and emotional health. Used daily, moms of faith can find a way to hold on to truth when experiencing day to day stress. Each download includes eighteen affirmations that are simple enough to memorize and a scripture to enhance the meditation.