This lesson teaches children that God is love, and that because he loved us first, we can love one another. Children aged about 5 to 11 can follow it, and it takes 20 to 30 minutes to teach with the activities.
Big Idea
God is love. He loved us first, so we can love other people too.
Memory Verse
1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us.
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands over their heart, then open their arms wide as they say “We love him” together. Close the arms back over the heart on “because he first loved us.” Repeat it three times, faster each time, until it feels like a game.
The Story: 1 John 4 for Kids
John was an old friend of Jesus, and he wrote a letter to the followers of Jesus who were getting mixed up. Some people were saying things about Jesus that were not true. John wanted his friends to know how to tell what was right and what was wrong. He said, “Dear friends, do not believe every voice you hear. Check to see if it comes from God.”
John told them how to know what was from God. Anyone who says that Jesus Christ came to earth as a real person is from God. Anyone who denies that Jesus came in the flesh is not from God. The people who listen closely to God’s own followers are the ones who know the truth.
Then John said something very warm. He told his friends, “Let us love one another, because love comes from God.” He said that anyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. John also said that the one who does not love does not really know God, because God is love.
John explained that God showed his love in a very big way. God sent his one and only Son, Jesus, into the world so that we could live through him. God did not wait for us to be good first. God loved us while we were still far from him, and he sent Jesus to take away our sins.
John ended with a simple, strong truth. If God loved us that much, then we should love each other too. He said that if someone says “I love God” but hates a brother or sister they can see, that person is not telling the truth. How can we love God, whom we cannot see, if we do not love the people right in front of us?
Read It Together
1 John 4:8
He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love.
(WEB)
Point out the simple words “God is love.” Ask children to say those three words out loud together, then explain that love is not just something God does, it is who God is.
1 John 4:10
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
(WEB)
Show that God’s love came first, before we did anything. Point out that the love was not that we loved him, but that he loved us and sent his Son for our sins.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.
(WEB)
Talk about how fear and love are different. Explain that when we know God loves us, we do not have to be afraid, because his love pushes fear away from our hearts.
Talk About It
- What is one way you have seen someone show love to you this week?
- How did God show us his love when he sent Jesus to the world?
- What can you do today to show love to someone in your family?
- Why do you think John said we should love people we can see, not only God?
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and how can God’s love help you feel safe?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a heart shape on the paper and cut it out. On the heart, they can draw or write the name of one person they want to love this week. Hang the hearts on a string across the room so the class can see all the people being remembered.
Love Passing Game
Gather the children in a circle and pass a soft ball or stuffed animal around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the item says one way God shows love to them, then passes it on. This helps children see that love is shared, just as John taught. Keep the game going for several rounds.
Take-Home Love Note
You will need a small card or piece of paper and a pencil for each child. Ask them to write or draw a short note to someone at home, such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent. Explain that they are practicing what 1 John 4 says about loving one another. Encourage them to deliver the note that day and tell the person why they chose them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that love is at the center of the Christian life, and that it is not a feeling we create on our own. God’s love comes first, and our love for others flows from it. John also warns that claiming to love God while ignoring people is a contradiction that the Christian life cannot allow.
Avoid overstating the idea of testing spirits to young children. The chapter’s warning about false teaching is real, but for children the focus is on God’s love and how to show it. Keep the emphasis on love rather than on fear of wrong beliefs.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us first, even before we knew you. Help us to love each other the way you love us, with kindness and patience. When we feel scared, remind us that your love is always with us. Amen.
