In this lesson, children learn that God wants us to treat every person in our church family with respect, kindness, and care, especially those who are older, alone, or in need. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God’s family takes care of each other. We show respect to older people, help those who need it, and treat everyone like a brother or sister in Jesus.
Memory Verse
1 Timothy 5:1
Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers…
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall, place one hand on their heart, and then gently wave to an imaginary friend across the room. Say the verse together, pausing after each phrase so they can wave on each beat.
The Story: 1 Timothy 5 for Kids
Long ago, a young church leader named Timothy was looking after the church in the city of Ephesus. His friend Paul had written him a letter with helpful advice. Paul wanted Timothy to know how to care for the people in God’s family.
Paul told Timothy how to talk to the people in the church. He said to speak to older men as you would speak to your own father. Young men were to be treated like brothers. Older women were to be treated like mothers, and younger women like sisters. Everyone was to be treated with purity and respect.
Paul also talked about widows, which are women whose husbands had died. Some widows had no one to take care of them. Paul said the church should honor them and help them. If a widow had children or grandchildren, the family should take care of her first. Paul said, “Do this, because it pleases God.”
Paul also said that a widow who loved God and prayed often was blessed. He reminded the church that a person who takes care of their own family is doing what is right. Paul said that people who lead the church and teach others deserve respect and honor for their hard work.
Finally, Paul told Timothy to be careful and fair. He said to listen to every side before believing something bad about someone. And he said that Timothy should keep himself pure and do what is good, so that others would see Jesus in him.
Read It Together
1 Timothy 5:3-4
3 Honor widows who are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
(WEB)
Point out that God cares about people who have no one to help them. Ask the children who in their own family or church might need extra love and help this week.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
(WEB)
Explain that caring for our own family is an important way to show God’s love. Help children think of simple ways they can help at home, like setting the table or sharing a toy.
1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
(WEB)
Tell the children that people who teach and lead in the church work hard and should be thanked. Encourage them to think of one leader in their church and say thank you to that person.
Talk About It
- How can you show respect to an older person you know?
- What is one way you could help someone who feels lonely or forgotten?
- Why do you think God wants us to take care of our own families?
- How can we be kind to our brothers and sisters in church, even when they are different from us?
- What might it look like for you to show God’s love to someone this week?
Activity Ideas
Thank-You Card Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child fold a sheet of paper in half to make a card. Ask them to draw a picture of someone in their church family and write or draw a simple thank-you message inside. Give the cards to those people during the week.
Helping Hands Game
You will need a few small objects, like blocks or cups, and a open space in the room. Set up a simple obstacle course with the objects. Have children take turns carrying an item across the room while a partner walks beside them, helping them stay steady. Talk about how we help each other in God’s family.
Take-Home Reminder
You will need index cards and a marker. Write a short reminder on each card, such as “Honor older people” or “Help someone in need.” Send one card home with each child. Ask them to share with their family one way they plan to show kindness this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s family is meant to be a place of care, honor, and responsibility. Paul gives practical guidance on respecting people of every age, providing for widows and family members, and honoring those who serve in the church. The passage reminds us that faith shows itself in everyday actions.
When teaching children, avoid making the lesson about specific rules for widows or church leadership, since these details are not the main focus for young learners. Keep the emphasis on simple kindness, respect, and helping others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for our church family. Help us to respect older people, to care for those who need help, and to be kind to everyone we meet. Show us how to love others the way you love us. Amen.
