This Sunday school lesson will help children understand that God loves us, and His love is greater than any other love.
by Leah Pittsinger
TOPICS
Kindness, Knowing God, Love
AS KIDS ARRIVE (10 minutes)
The Greatest Love (Craft) Click here
WORSHIP TIME (5 minutes)
Further info? Click here
BIBLE VERSE (12 minutes)
"Show me the wonders of Your great love." Psalm 17:7a NIV
Say the verse out loud for the class. Then explain that God’s love is the most wonderful love we will ever receive. Repeat the verse while clapping on each syllable. Ask the children to join you by clapping, speaking the words, or by doing both. Repeat several times. You may also consider using “whisper” claps (two fingers) or high fives to keep the children’s interest.
BIBLE STORY (15 minutes)
Gather the children around you in preparation for story time. If possible, use a Children's Bible so it will be easier for the kids to understand.
Introduction:
God shows us His love in many ways. What are some ways we show love for others (hugs, kisses, being obedient, etc)? Today we will learn about two ways that God has shown us His love: by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and by creating the earth, including us!
Read 1 John 4:7-21 (God lovingly sent Jesus)
We know God loves us because He sent Jesus, who was perfect, to die and pay for our sins.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is a sin? (Anything bad that we do.)
2. Why is it loving that God would send Jesus? (Because we can’t pay for our own sins, so God provided a way for us to be able to have a relationship with Him and go to Heaven.)
3. How do we go to Heaven? (By believing in Jesus, admitting we do bad things, and asking God for forgiveness.)
Read Genesis 1:1 (God’s creation shows His love.)
Ask the children to name beautiful things that God has created (such as flowers, rainbows, animals, etc). Explain that God created all these things in love, because He knew they would show us more about Him. Also, tell the children that we are God’s BEST creations because we are made in His image.
Discussion Questions:
1. Name a beautiful creation you can see at night. (Stars, moon, etc.)
2. Name a beautiful creation found in the ocean. (Seashells, fish, dolphins, etc.)
Conclusion
We know God is loving because He sent Jesus to die for our sins so we may have a relationship with Him and go to Heaven. We also know that God is loving because every created thing has a purpose and points us to Him.
FUN TIME (15 minutes)
Outdoor Love (Activity) Click here
ALTERNATE FUN TIME (10 minutes)
L is for Love (Game) Click here
PRAYER/SNACK (10 minutes)
Further info? Click here
Start by praying to God and thanking Him for His love, as shown through creation and His Son, Jesus. Then serve the children goldfish crackers and small cups of water. Show the children some colorful pictures of fish as they eat and comment about how each of the fish are uniquely beautiful. Then affirm each child by stating one way God lovingly created them especially unique.
CLOSING ACTIVITY (5-10 minutes)
Ask the children to think about ways to show God’s love to others, such as helping a friend, being obedient to their parents, or sharing a toy with a sibling. Help them practice their suggestions by acting out scenarios (if time allows). Reiterate to the children 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, so we need to share His love with others.
NEXT WEEK
Come back next week to learn how God is good!
TAKE HOME PAGE
Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home [PDF]. Click here