This lesson teaches children that God cares about how we love and serve Him in our everyday lives, whether we are married, single, or busy with many different tasks. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives each person a place to live faithfully, and He helps us do our best right where we are. We can trust Him in every season of life.
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 7:17
Only, as the Lord has distributed to each man, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the assemblies.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and hold their hands out in front of them, palms up, like a bowl. Then slowly move their hands to the side, as if they are walking along a path. Repeat the verse together while walking in place, reminding them that God wants each of us to walk where He has placed us.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 7 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the church in the city of Corinth. The people there had asked him many questions about how to live. Some of them were married, some were not married, and some were widows who had lost their husbands. Paul wanted to help them all know what God wanted.
Paul told the married people to be kind and faithful to each other. He said husbands and wives should care for one another, and not leave each other without a good reason. Paul said, in simple words, that people who follow Jesus should try to live peacefully with their families.
Paul also talked about people who were not married. He said that being single could help some people focus on serving the Lord. He told them that God gives each person different gifts. One person might be called to marry, and another might be called to stay single, and both can please God.
Paul reminded the people that they should stay in the place God had called them. If someone was called while they were already working, they should keep doing that work faithfully. Paul said that what matters most is keeping God’s commands and loving Him with all their hearts. He wanted them to know that they did not have to change everything to please God.
Finally, Paul said, “Let each one remain with God in the place where he was called.” He wanted every person to trust God, because God is with them wherever they go.
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 7:3
Let the husband give his wife the affection owed her, and likewise also the wife her husband.
(WEB)
Point out that this verse talks about husbands and wives caring for each other. Explain that love means giving kindness and care to the people God has placed in our families. Ask the children how they can show care to their own family members this week.
1 Corinthians 7:7
Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.
(WEB)
Point out that God gives each person different gifts and different callings. Explain that some people are married and some are not, and God can use all of them. Ask the children what gifts God has given them that they can use to help others.
1 Corinthians 7:23
You were bought with a price. Don’t become bondservants of men.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus paid a great price to rescue us, so we belong to Him. Explain that because we belong to God, we should not let people control our hearts. Remind the children that God’s love is the most important love they will ever receive.
Talk About It
- What is one way you can show kindness to the people in your family?
- Why do you think God gives different people different gifts and jobs?
- How can you keep following Jesus at school or at home, wherever you are?
- What helps you feel close to God when you are busy or worried?
- Who in your life is a good example of loving and serving God faithfully?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Place With God
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and markers. Ask them to draw a picture of the place where they live, go to school, or play with friends. Inside the picture, they can draw a small heart or a cross to show that God is with them there. Talk together about how God can be part of every place we go.
Walk the Path Game
Use masking tape to make a winding path on the floor of a room or hallway. Have the children take turns walking the path while the others call out, “Walk where God placed you!” Each child should walk slowly and carefully, keeping their steps on the path. This helps them picture faithfully following God wherever He leads.
Family Kindness Jar
Find an empty jar and some small slips of paper at home. Each day this week, write one kind thing a family member did or one way you can help someone at home. Fold the paper and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together at dinner and thank God for the people in your family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cares about every part of life, including marriage, singleness, work, and our relationships. Paul encourages believers to live faithfully in the situation they are already in, while also honoring the commitments they have made. The main message is that each person can serve God with an undivided heart, whatever their circumstances.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the specific details about marriage, divorce, or the particular situations Paul addresses. Keep the focus on simple truths such as God’s love, faithfulness, kindness in families, and trusting God wherever He has placed us. Leave the complex questions for older students and parents to discuss in more depth.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and caring about every part of our lives. Help us be kind to our families and faithful to You wherever we are. Show us the gifts You have given us, and help us use them for You. We trust You to be with us every day. Amen.
