This Sunday school lesson will help children understand why God loves us and how He displays His love.
by Leah Pittsigner
TOPICS
Assurance, Kindness, Knowing God, Love
AS KIDS ARRIVE (10 minutes)
Symbols of Love (Craft) Click here
OPENING PRAYER AND PRAISE (5 minutes)
Further info? Click here
MEMORY WORK (12 minutes)
"For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight." Ephesians 1:4a NIV
Write or type three to four words of the verse at a time on separate sheets of paper (if you have a larger class then you will need to write fewer words on each page). Read the scripture aloud with the class and then give each child a word sheet. Tell the children to hold their papers with the words facing out so they can work together to put the words in the correct order. Once completed, ask the class to read the verse aloud again. If desired, repeat this process two to three times to further emphasizememorizing this verse.
SCRIPTURE READING AND DISCUSSION (15 minutes)
Introduction:
Ask the class to think of ways that people show love. List their suggestions on the board. Then ask the children to list the ways God shows us His love. Make the distinction that biblical “love” is more than a feeling—it is an intentional, sacrificial commitment.
Emphasize that there are different types of love depending on the relationship of the people involved (such as romantic, friendship, parental, spiritual, etc). We receive the greatest example of love from God because He perfectly loves us in spite of our sins.
Read 1 John 4:9 (God lovingly sent Jesus)
Ask for a volunteer to read the passage aloud to the class. Then ask the children to state how God demonstrated His love (He sent Jesus). Add the answer to the introductory list if it is not already present.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is it so important that God sent Jesus to earth? (Because otherwise our sin would keep us eternally separated from God.)
2. What do we learn about God’s love from this verse? (That it is sacrificial, committed, willing to provide a way for us to be reconciled regardless of our sin, etc.)
Read Ephesians 1:4-6 (God lovingly chose us)
Read the scripture to the class. Ask the children to comment on any parts of the passage that caught their attention. Emphasize that our adoption into God’s family was determined before the world was ever created. Add, “God chose us” to the introductory list if it is not already present.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does it feel when you are chosen to be on someone’s team? (good, important, etc)
2. How would it feel not to be chosen? (sad, angry, unloved, etc)
3. So, what does it say about God that He chose us before creating the earth? (That His love is eternal.)
Read Romans 5:5 (God lovingly gave us the Holy Spirit)
Allow a volunteer to read the verse out loud and give a short synopsis of when and why God gave us the Holy Spirit. (see John 14:26, John 15:26, and Acts 2 for reference). Briefly explain the roles of the Holy Spirit (intercessor, teacher, testifier of the truth, etc). Add, “God gave us the Holy Spirit” to the introductory list if it is not already present.
Discussion Questions:
1. What must we do to receive God’s gift of the Holy Spirit? (Become a believer in Jesus Christ.)
2. Why would it be harder to follow Christ if we didn’t have the Holy Spirit? (Because the Holy Spirit helps guide our personal relationship with Jesus.)
Read Romans 1:20 (God lovingly shows Himself through creation)
Read the verse to the class. Discuss a creation that points to the beauty or wisdom of God (such as a sunrise or blooming flower). Emphasize that God’s creations lovingly point us to acknowledge Him and ultimately accept His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. And, because of this incredible display of love, no one has an excuse for denying God. Add, “God shows Himself through nature” to the introductory list if it is not already present.
Discussion Questions:
1. What creations amaze you? (Allow for discussion.)
2. What do we learn about God’s love through this passage? (That it encompasses everything and is impossible to ignore.)
CLASS EXERCISE (15 minutes)
Love Charades (Game) Click here
ALTERNATE CLASS EXERCISE (10 minutes)
God Is Loving (Puzzle) Click here
APPLICATION (5 minutes)
Ask the children to close their eyes and imagine Heaven. After a few moments, have students state descriptive words about Heaven (such as beautiful, happy, or perfect) while keeping their eyes closed. Then ask them to imagine seeing Jesus face-to-face. Allow volunteers to state how they will feel when they meet Jesus in Heaven. (amazed, overwhelmed, joyful, etc). Afterward, have the children open their eyes and reiterate to them that it is because of God’s love that any of us even have the chance to have a relationship with Jesus and live forever with Him in Heaven. Also, add that receiving this gift of God’s love is a personal choice that must be made before death. Encourage the children to speak to you, a parent, or another Christian adult if they have any questions about their salvation.
NEXT WEEK
Come back next week to learn about the source of all goodness.
CLOSING PRAYER (2 minutes)
Further info? Click here
TAKE HOME PAGE
Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home. Click here for NIV or KJV [PDF]