This lesson teaches children that God loves us so much that we get to be His kids, and that His love should show in how we treat the people around us. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves us, so we show love to others by what we do, not just what we say. Real love helps people, shares, and tells the truth.
Memory Verse
1 John 3:1
See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up with your palms facing you, then bring them together and hug yourself gently. Say “God’s children” as you hug. Each time you repeat the verse, do the same motion so children connect the words with the hug.
The Story: 1 John 3 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named John wrote a letter to friends who loved Jesus. He wanted them to know something wonderful. God loved them so much that He made them His own children. John said it was a gift that even the world did not fully understand.
John told his friends that one day they would be like Jesus, and they would see Him as He really is. He said that people who trust Jesus try to live clean and good lives, because they want to be like Him. Every time they choose kindness over meanness, they grow a little more like Him.
John also warned them about being fooled. He said that sin is a way of going against God’s ways, and that Jesus came to take sin away. Jesus does not sin, and people who stay close to Him learn to live His way too. John wanted his friends to be careful not to follow the wrong path.
Then John talked about a brother named Cain. Cain was angry at his brother Abel because Abel did what was right. Cain made a terrible choice and hurt his brother. John said Cain showed what happens when hate fills a heart. John told his friends, “Let us love one another.” Love is the message they heard from the very beginning.
John reminded everyone that Jesus showed the greatest love of all. He gave up His life for us. So John said we should be ready to help our brothers and sisters when they need us. He said love is not just nice words. It is shown by real actions and by telling the truth.
Read It Together
1 John 3:16
By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
(WEB)
Point out that the verse says we know what love is because Jesus gave His life for us. Ask children to name one way Jesus showed love to people during His time on earth.
1 John 3:17-18
17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God’s love remain in him? 18 My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.
(WEB)
Show children that love is shown by helping someone in need and by acting, not only talking. Ask them what it looks like to love with actions at school or at home.
1 John 3:23
This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he commanded.
(WEB)
Explain that God’s command is to believe in Jesus and to love one another. Point out the two parts together, so children see that trusting Jesus and loving people belong side by side.
Talk About It
- What is something God has given you that makes you feel loved?
- How can you show someone love without using any words?
- When is it hard to be kind to someone, and what can help you keep trying?
- What did Jesus do to show us the greatest love, and how can we copy that kind of love?
- What is one brave and honest thing you could do this week to help a friend or family member?
Activity Ideas
Heart Hands Craft
Give each child a sheet of paper and a crayon. Have them trace both hands and draw a heart in the middle of the tracing. On the fingers, ask them to write or draw one way they can show love this week, such as sharing a toy or helping with dishes.
Love in Action Relay
Set up two cones or chairs at one end of a room. Divide children into teams and have them carry a soft ball on a spoon to the cone, then race back. Before each turn, name one loving action, like “carry a bag for someone,” and have children act it out with a silly motion before they run.
Take-Home Kindness Card
Give each child a folded index card and some markers. Ask them to draw a picture of one kind act they plan to do this week and write the name of the person they will show it to. Encourage families to look at the cards together at dinner and celebrate each act of love that happens.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter teaches that God’s love is the source of our new identity as His children, and that this identity produces a life marked by love, honesty, and self-giving. John connects the way we treat others with whether we truly know God, so love becomes evidence of faith rather than an optional extra.
Avoid overstating to children that doing good earns God’s love or that they can be perfect. Children should hear that God loves them first and that He helps them grow, so the focus stays on His grace rather than on fear of failing.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank You for loving us so much that we get to be Your children. Help us show that love by how we treat our family, our friends, and everyone we meet. Give us brave hearts to help when someone needs us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
