This lesson teaches children that God helps us be brave and kind even when someone treats us badly. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When people are mean to us, we can choose kindness and trust God to help us. God is always with us, and we do not have to be afraid.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 19:13
Be courageous, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do that which seems good to him.”
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall and put both hands on their hearts when they say “Be courageous.” Then have them stretch their arms out wide like a strong wall on “let us be strong.” Repeat the motions three times together.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 19 for Kids
A long time ago, a king named Nahash died. His son, Hanun, became the new king of the Ammonites. King David remembered that Nahash had been kind to him, so David wanted to be kind back. He sent some of his servants to visit Hanun and say, “We are sorry about your father.”
But the leaders around Hanun whispered bad ideas. They said, “David’s men are only here to spy on us!” Hanun believed them. He grabbed David’s servants, shaved off half their beards, and cut their clothes short. Then he sent them home in shame.
When David heard what happened, he was very upset for his men. He told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards grow back. Do not come home looking so embarrassed.” David knew that the Ammonites had made their own people angry at them, and they would have to face the consequences.
The Ammonites got scared. They paid a huge amount of silver to hire soldiers and chariots from other nations. Their army gathered near the city gate, ready to fight. When David heard about it, he sent his general Joab and a big group of brave soldiers.
Joab saw the enemy coming at him from the front and from the back. He did not panic. He told his brother Abishai, “If the enemy is too strong for me, you come and help me. If they are too strong for you, I will come help you. Be brave, and let us trust God with the outcome.” Because they trusted God, the enemy ran away.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 19:2
David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
(WEB)
Point out that David chose to be kind because someone had been kind to him first. Ask children what kind thing someone has done for them, and show how David’s choice was a good example to follow.
1 Chronicles 19:12-13
12 He said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you are to help me; but if the children of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will help you. 13 Be courageous, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do that which seems good to him.”
(WEB)
Show children how Joab made a plan and encouraged his brother instead of running away. Explain that he trusted God to do what was good, even though he did not know how the battle would end.
1 Chronicles 19:18-19
18 The Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed of the Syrian men seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and also killed Shophach the captain of the army. 19 When the servants of Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with David, and served him. The Syrians would not help the children of Ammon any more.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave David and his people the victory. Remind children that when we trust God, He can bring good results, even when things look scary at first.
Talk About It
- What did King David do when he heard that his friend had died?
- How did Hanun’s leaders make him believe a lie about David’s servants?
- How would you feel if someone shaved your face and cut your clothes?
- What did Joab say to his brother when the enemy surrounded them?
- When someone treats you unfairly, what is one brave thing you can do?
Activity Ideas
Strong Shield Craft
You will need a paper plate, crayons or markers, glue, and yarn. Have each child draw a picture of God on one side of the plate, and write the word “Courage” on the other. Glue a loop of yarn on the back so children can wear it like a shield. Say that God is our shield when we feel afraid.
Stand Strong Game
Choose one child to be the “enemy” and give them a soft ball. Everyone else stands in a line and holds hands as a team. Let the enemy try to push through the line gently while the team says the memory verse together. Talk about how standing together and trusting God makes us strong.
Kindness Reminder Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Have them write one kind thing they can do this week for someone who was unkind to them. Help them tuck the card into a pocket or backpack. Encourage them to check the card each day and pray for God’s help to be kind.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people face real conflict and betrayal, and that acting wisely and trusting God remain the right response. Joab’s leadership reminds us that faithful action and reliance on God go together, and that God’s purposes stand even when we cannot see the whole picture.
With children, avoid suggesting that God always makes things turn out the way we want when we are kind or brave. Some people may still treat us unfairly, and that is painful. Focus instead on the truth that God is with us and that He helps us respond with courage and trust.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being our strong shield when we feel scared. Help us to be kind, even when others are not kind to us. Please give us courage to trust You every day. Amen.
