Lesson: 3 John 1:5 (Ages 3-5)

📖 3 John 1:5 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

This Bible verse is like a big hug from God, telling us that when we are kind and helpful to others, we are doing the right thing. It's like when you share your toys with a new friend at school, even if you don't know them very well yet. God wants us to show love and kindness to everyone, not just to our family and friends. When we do that, we are showing that we have a big heart, just like Jesus. So, remember to be loving and helpful to everyone you meet, because that's what makes God happy!

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved to share his acorns with his squirrel friends. One day, a new squirrel moved into the forest, but he didn’t have any food.

Sammy remembered the verse from 3 John 1:5 that said to help others, even if they are strangers. So, he decided to share his acorns with the new squirrel.

At first, Sammy felt a little nervous because the new squirrel was a stranger, but he remembered that God wants us to show love to everyone. When Sammy shared his acorns, the new squirrel's eyes lit up with joy, and they became fast friends.

Sammy learned that being kind and helping others, even if they are strangers, is a wonderful way to show God's love. And he felt happy knowing he followed God's word.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for helping us be kind and faithful to others, even to people we don't know. Help us to show love and kindness to everyone we meet. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think it is important to be kind to other people, even if we don't know them?
2. Can you think of a time when you were kind to someone you didn't know very well?
3. How do you feel when someone is kind to you, even if you are not friends?
4. How can we show love and kindness to people we don't know?
5. What do you think Jesus would want us to do to show love to others, even if we don't know them?

Life Application

This verse from 3 John 1:5 teaches us that we should always be kind and helpful to others, even if we don't know them well. Children aged 3-5 can apply this by being kind to everyone they meet, whether it's at home, school, or with friends. They can share their toys, help someone who is sad, or say kind words to someone who looks lonely. By showing love and kindness to others, even strangers, children can follow this message from the Bible and make the world a better place.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a "Love Jar" craft activity! Provide the child with a small jar and colorful paper hearts or stickers. Explain that the jar represents their heart. Encourage them to decorate the hearts or write kind messages on them. Each heart can symbolize a kind act they can do for others, even strangers, just like the verse says. They can place the hearts in the jar as a reminder to show love and faithfulness to everyone they meet. This hands-on activity will help them understand and remember the message of 3 John 1:5 in a fun and interactive way.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Beloved child, remember this true,
Act faithfully in all you do.
Help your siblings, known and new,
For Jesus’ love shines through you!

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of 3 John 1:5 is "Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman. This song encourages kids to do everything for the glory of God and to show love and kindness to others, even strangers.

Another wonderful song is "Love One Another" by VeggieTales. This song teaches kids the importance of loving one another as Jesus loves us, just like how we are encouraged to act faithfully towards our brothers and sisters in 3 John 1:5.

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