Lesson: 3 John 1:2 (Ages 3-5)

📖 3 John 1:2 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

God wants us to be happy and healthy, just like when we feel good inside. Imagine your body like a little plant – when the plant gets lots of water and sunlight, it grows big and strong, just like when we take care of ourselves and are healthy. Our soul is like our heart, full of love and goodness. When we take care of our hearts by being kind and loving, just like the plant grows, our souls become happy and strong, too. God wants us to grow big and strong, both in our bodies and in our hearts, so we can be our best selves and make the world a better place.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little bunny named Benny who loved to eat yummy carrots and play outside in the sunshine. One day, Benny's friend, Wise Owl, told him about a special prayer from the Bible that said, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul is prospering."

Benny was curious, so he asked Wise Owl what it meant. Wise Owl explained that just like how Benny's body needed healthy food and exercise to grow strong, his heart and soul needed love and kindness to grow strong too.

From that day on, Benny made sure to not only eat his carrots and play outside but also to be kind to his friends and share his toys. He learned that being healthy and happy on the inside was just as important as taking care of his body on the outside. And so, Benny hopped through life with a big smile, knowing that his heart and soul were prospering too.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for loving us so much. Help us to grow strong and healthy, just like our hearts grow closer to you. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think it is important to pray for others to be happy, healthy, and growing in their faith?
2. How do you feel when someone prays for you to do well in everything you do?
3. Can you think of ways we can help others to be happy and healthy, just like we want to be?
4. What do you think it means for our soul to be prospering? How can we take care of our souls?
5. How can we show love to others by praying for their well-being and growth in faith?

Life Application

This Bible verse is a prayer for us to do well in every way and to be healthy, just like our soul is growing and doing well. Children can apply this message by taking care of their bodies and minds. They can eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest, and play outside to stay active and healthy. They can also be kind to others, share toys with friends, and help at home, showing love and care just like their soul is growing in love and goodness.

Craft or Activity

To help young children understand and remember the message of 3 John 1:2, you can create a "Healthy Body, Healthy Soul" craft. Provide children with paper cutouts of a heart for the soul and a body shape for the physical health. Have them decorate the heart with words like "love," "faith," and "God," and the body shape with images of healthy habits like fruits, vegetables, exercise, and sleep.

Encourage the children to talk about how taking care of their bodies by eating well, moving, and resting helps them feel strong and healthy. Then, discuss how taking care of their souls through prayer, kindness, and learning about God helps them grow spiritually. This hands-on activity will visually reinforce the message of 3 John 1:2 in a fun and engaging way for young children.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

God's love for you will never end,
He wants you well, both body and soul, my friend.
In all things, may you grow and be strong,
Just like your spirit, all the day long!

Songs or Videos

One Christian song that relates to the message of 3 John 1:2 is "Blessings" by Laura Story. This song talks about how God's blessings may not always come in the way we expect or understand, but they are always for our good and growth. Another great song is "Healing Rain" by Michael W. Smith, which speaks about God's healing power and how He cares for our physical and spiritual well-being. Both songs remind us of God's desire for our prosperity and health, just as our souls prosper.

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