This lesson teaches children that God can use sorry feelings to help us turn back to him and grow, and that God comforts us when we are hurting. It is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we feel sorry for doing wrong and we choose to make it right, God helps us change and gives us peace. God also comforts us when we feel sad or worried.
Memory Verse
2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death.
(WEB)
Teach the children to put a hand on their heart when they say “godly sorrow,” then turn both palms up when they say “brings no regret.” Repeat the verse together three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the words stick.
The Story: 2 Corinthians 7 for Kids
Paul was a missionary who loved the friends he had made in a city called Corinth. He had written them a letter that was honest and hard to read. It told them some things they had done were wrong, and Paul knew it might make them feel bad. He was not sure how they would react.
Paul traveled to Macedonia and felt tired and worried. Fights were happening outside, and his heart felt scared inside. Then God comforted Paul by sending his friend Titus to visit him. Titus brought good news about the Corinthian friends.
Titus told Paul that the Corinthians were sorry for what they had done. They missed Paul, and they cared a lot about him. Paul was so glad to hear it. He said, “I am happy now, not because you felt bad, but because your sadness led you to turn back to God.”
Paul explained that a kind of sadness helps us change. This is godly sadness, which leads us to make things right and grow closer to God. It does not leave us stuck in guilt. Paul was thankful that his friends in Corinth had chosen to change their ways.
By the end, Paul was full of joy and trust. He knew his friends were pure and good in this matter, and he knew God had been faithful to comfort everyone involved.
Read It Together
2 Corinthians 7:6
Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus…
(WEB)
Point out that God is the one who comforts people who feel low. Ask the children to think about a time when someone came to help them when they felt sad, and remind them that God does this too.
2 Corinthians 7:9
I now rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you were made sorry to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing.
(WEB)
Show the children that Paul was not happy that his friends felt bad, but he was happy they changed. Explain that feeling sorry is a good first step when it helps us do better and make things right with people.
2 Corinthians 7:16
I rejoice that in everything I am confident concerning you.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul felt confident and trusting about his friends. Explain that when we choose to do right, we can trust God and the people who love us, and that trust brings peace.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you can do when you know you made a mistake?
- How does it feel when someone says sorry and really means it?
- Who is someone who comforts you when you feel sad?
- Why do you think Paul was so happy when his friends changed their hearts?
- How can you tell the difference between feeling sorry and feeling stuck in guilt?
Activity Ideas
Heart Sorry Cards
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a big heart on a piece of paper and write or draw one way they can make things right when they do wrong. Let them color the heart and tape it to the fridge as a reminder.
Comfort Passing Game
You will need a soft ball or a rolled-up pair of socks. Sit the children in a circle and pass the ball while the group hums a calm song. When the music stops, the child holding the ball names one way God comforts people, then passes the ball on. Keep it gentle and encouraging.
Turn Back Bookmark
You will need paper strips, a pencil, and a hole punch with a ribbon if you have one. Ask each child to write “Turn back to God” on one side and draw a small arrow on the other. Punch a hole, add the ribbon, and suggest they use it in their Bible or storybook to remember the lesson at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage describes how Paul’s hard letter led the Corinthian believers to godly sorrow, which produced genuine repentance and renewed their relationship with him. It also shows that God comforts his people through other people, as Titus brought encouragement to Paul. The chapter reminds us that repentance is a turning back to God, not a cycle of shame.
Be careful not to suggest to children that feeling bad is the goal or that it always proves someone is sorry. The point is that godly sorrow leads to change and comfort, and children should understand that God’s love is not earned by feeling terrible.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank you for comforting us when we feel sad or scared. Help us say sorry when we do wrong and turn back to you with open hearts. Thank you that you make us new and bring us peace. We love you. Amen.
