This lesson teaches children that God wants us to live for Him, love each other, and not be afraid when others are unkind because of Jesus. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God helps us live for Him, love our friends, and stay brave when people treat us badly for loving Jesus.
Memory Verse
1 Peter 4:8
And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
(WEB)
Put both hands over your heart, then open your arms wide like you are giving a big hug. Say the verse together while you do the motion, and repeat it three times, getting a little softer each time.
The Story: 1 Peter 4 for Kids
Peter wrote a letter to Christians who were going through hard times. Jesus had suffered for them, so they should think about Him and choose to live differently. They should stop doing the wrong things they used to do. Instead, they should follow what God wants.
Some of their neighbors thought it was strange that they no longer joined in with the bad behavior. Those neighbors said unkind things about them. Peter told the friends not to be surprised. He reminded them that God is ready to judge everyone, and that God would take care of them.
Peter gave them some simple instructions. He said, “Love each other very much.” He asked them to share their homes with people, without complaining. He told them that everyone had special gifts, and each person should use their gift to help others. Some could speak, some could serve, and all of it could bring glory to God.
Peter knew that some of these friends were being treated badly for being Christians. He told them that if this happened, they should not feel ashamed. They could be happy, because God was with them. Peter said, “Trust God, because He is a faithful Creator who will always take care of you.” Trusting God helps us stay strong when things are hard.
Read It Together
1 Peter 4:1-2
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; 2 that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus suffered for us, and we can choose to live for God’s will instead of our own wrong wants. Ask the children what it means to live for God each day, and give simple examples like sharing toys or telling the truth.
1 Peter 4:9-10
9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.
(WEB)
Show the children that God gives each person a gift, and we should use our gifts to help others. Invite each child to name one thing they are good at, and talk about how that could help a friend or family member.
1 Peter 4:12-13
12 Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. 13 But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.
(WEB)
Explain that sometimes hard things happen when we follow Jesus, but God is with us in those times. Encourage the children that they can still feel joy, because God is good and always keeps His promises to His people.
Talk About It
- What is one thing Jesus did to show how much He loves us?
- How can we show love to our friends and family this week?
- What gift has God given you, and how could you use it to help someone?
- Why do you think it is hard sometimes to be different from people around us?
- What can we do when we feel scared or sad because someone is mean to us?
Activity Ideas
Heart Hug Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace their hand on the paper and cut it out. On the hand, they can draw or write one way they can show love this week. Tape the hands to the classroom wall or the fridge at home as a reminder.
Gift Pass Game
You will need a small object like a ball or a stuffed animal, and some chairs in a circle. Play music while the children pass the object around. When the music stops, the child holding it names one gift they have and one way they can use it to help someone. Keep playing until everyone has had a turn.
Kindness Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day, family members write one kind thing they did for someone else on a slip and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together at dinner and thank God for each act of kindness. This helps children see God’s love at work in everyday life.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter calls believers to live distinctly for God, to love one another earnestly, to use their gifts in service, and to trust God when they suffer for Christ. It was written to encourage Christians facing hostility in the Roman world, and its call to hope and faithfulness still speaks to believers today.
With children, avoid overstating the idea of suffering or making it sound like every hard moment is persecution. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and love, and let children know that they can talk to a trusted adult when they feel scared or hurt.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us and for living a life that shows us how to love others. Help us choose to follow You every day, even when it is hard. Show us how to love our friends, use the gifts You have given us, and trust You when we feel scared. Thank You that You are always with us. Amen.
