This lesson teaches children that God gives us strength to build people up, not tear them down, and that the best way to show it is by being kind and humble. A 2 Corinthians 10 Sunday school lesson like this one works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives us good strength so we can help people grow, never so we can hurt them or show off. Our words and actions should always build others up.
Memory Verse
2 Corinthians 10:17
But “he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.”
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands up high like a trophy, then slowly lower them to their heart and say “in the Lord” as they tap their chest. Repeat it three times together, getting quieter each time.
The Story: 2 Corinthians 10 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the church in the city of Corinth. Paul had spent time with these friends, and he loved them very much. Some people in Corinth did not like Paul, though. They said his letters were strong, but that he seemed quiet and weak when he was in the room with them.
Paul knew he needed to answer these people kindly. He reminded the church that he did not want to be bold in a mean way. He wanted to act like Jesus, who was gentle and humble. Paul said that the power God gave him was meant to build people up, not knock them down.
Some people in Corinth liked to compare themselves to others. They measured themselves by their own rules and felt proud. Paul said that this was not wise. Paul told them, in his own simple way, that being wise means looking at what God is doing, not just at ourselves.
Paul also said something very important that children can remember. He said that the people who are really approved are not the ones who brag about themselves. They are the ones whom the Lord commends. Paul wanted the church to know that God was the one who makes a person truly good.
Paul kept sharing the good news about Jesus wherever he went. He hoped that the church in Corinth would grow strong in faith. He wanted them to know that God’s love was the real reason to celebrate.
Read It Together
2 Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul says he wants to treat people with gentleness, the same way Jesus does. Ask children how they can be gentle with a friend or sibling today. Notice that Paul is kind even when others are unkind to him.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, 5 throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…
(WEB)
Explain that Paul talks about weapons that are not like swords or fists. Help children see that God’s way of winning hearts is through truth and love. Ask them what kinds of tools help people think about God in a loving way.
2 Corinthians 10:18
For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
(WEB)
Point out that God is the one who approves us, not our own bragging. Remind children that they do not need to show off to be loved by God. Encourage them that God sees their good hearts.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you can do this week to help someone feel stronger, like a good friend would?
- Why do you think Paul wanted to be gentle with the people in Corinth, even when they were not nice to him?
- When do you feel tempted to brag about something you did, and how can you be humble instead?
- How do you think God wants us to use the abilities and gifts He gives us?
- What is a time someone built you up with kind words, and how did it make you feel?
Activity Ideas
Strong Hearts Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a picture of a person they can build up this week, such as a family member or classmate. Let them write one kind word on the drawing. Talk together about how kind words are a strength that helps people grow.
Build Up Relay
Set up two cups of building blocks or paper cups at one end of the room. Have children take turns carrying a block to the other side while calling out an encouraging word to a teammate. Remind them that they are building each other up, not knocking things over. Cheer for every block placed carefully.
Kindness Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and some slips of paper at home. Each day, ask your child to write or draw one kind thing they did for someone and drop the slip in the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together and thank God for the ways He helped your family grow stronger together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that spiritual authority is given by God for building up the church, not for tearing others down. Paul is not boasting about himself. He points people to the Lord, who alone approves what is genuinely good. Adults can take this as a call to measure our faithfulness by God’s standard rather than by comparison with others.
With children, avoid overstating the difficult background of the letter or making it sound like the church was full of enemies. Keep the focus on the simple lesson of being gentle, humble, and encouraging. Children understand kindness and bragging clearly, so let them connect the passage to their everyday friendships.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us strength that helps other people grow. Help us to use our words and actions to build people up and not to brag or hurt anyone. Let us be gentle and humble like Jesus, and let us point others to You. Thank You for loving us, and help us to love others too. Amen.
