This lesson teaches children that they can stand firm in their faith and show love in everything they do, using the last chapter of 1 Corinthians. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God wants us to stand strong and do everything with love, because Jesus loves us and helps us.
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 16:14
Let all that you do be done in love.
(WEB)
Ask the children to cross their arms over their hearts while saying the verse together, then open their arms wide on the word “everything.” Repeat it a few times, speeding up each time, until the motions feel natural and the words come easily.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 16 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to his friends in the city of Corinth. He loved these friends very much, and he wanted them to know how to live well. Paul wrote about many things, and he began with a special gift that people were collecting to help other Christians in Jerusalem who needed food and help.
Paul told the friends to set aside some money each week, so that everyone could give what they could. He said he would send trusted helpers to carry the gift to Jerusalem. Paul also talked about his own travel plans, and he said he hoped to stay with them for a while. He was excited about the good work God was doing, even though there were people who did not like him.
Paul had a helper named Timothy, and he asked the friends to welcome Timothy and not be afraid of him. Paul said, in his own simple way, “Timothy is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.” Paul also asked the friends to respect helpers like Stephanas, who had worked hard to serve other believers. Paul said these helpers had brought him great joy and comfort.
Then Paul gave the friends a short list of strong words. He told them to keep watch, stand firm in their faith, be brave, and be strong. Above all, he said, everything they did should be done with love. Paul ended his letter by sending greetings from many friends and by saying he loved them all in Jesus.
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
(WEB)
Point out the four short commands in this verse, and invite children to act each one out. Ask them what it might look like to be brave or strong at school or at home.
1 Corinthians 16:17-18
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
(WEB)
Show children that Paul was thankful for people who helped him and refreshed his spirit. Ask them to name someone who helps them, and talk about how they can thank that person this week.
1 Corinthians 16:23-24
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul ends his letter with a blessing of grace and love in Jesus. Explain that God’s grace is a gift we receive, and that Paul wanted his friends to know they were loved.
Talk About It
- What is one way you can stand firm when someone tries to make you do something wrong?
- Who is someone who helps you, and how does that help make you feel?
- What does it mean to do everything with love, and what might that look like at home?
- Why do you think Paul wanted his friends to help other people who needed food?
- How can you show love to a friend who is feeling sad or lonely?
Activity Ideas
Strong and Steady Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a tall tower or a sturdy tree on the paper, then write or draw one word from the verse, such as “strong” or “love,” on the tower. Let them decorate it and talk about how faith can help us stand firm like a strong tower.
Stand Firm Freeze Game
Clear a space in the room and call out one command from the memory verse, like “Be brave!” or “Stand firm!” Children should strike a strong pose and hold still until you call out “Love one another,” at which point they should give a friend a high five or a hug. Play several rounds, changing the commands to keep it fun.
Love in Action Card
You will need index cards or small squares of paper and a pencil. Have each child write one loving thing they can do at home this week, such as helping set the table or saying a kind word. Encourage them to place the card on the refrigerator or by their bed as a reminder to do everything with love.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter closes Paul’s letter with practical instructions about generosity, faithful service, and standing firm in the faith. Paul links strong faith with love, showing that courage without love is incomplete. He also honors the people who serve quietly, reminding the church that every helper matters.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always reward them with good things when they act strong or loving. The chapter teaches that God is faithful and that love is the right way to live, but it does not promise that everything will go smoothly. Focus on God’s care and the love we can share rather than on guaranteed results.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us and for helping us stand strong in our faith. Help us to be brave, to be kind, and to do everything with love, just as Jesus does. Thank you for the people who help us every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
