This lesson teaches children that God wants our words at church to help and encourage everyone who is listening, because God is a God of peace and order. It is written for children about ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short activity.
Big Idea
When we speak at church, we should use words that everyone can understand, so that all of God’s people can be helped and encouraged.
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 14:40
Let all things be done decently and in order.
(WEB)
Hold your hands up in front of you, then slowly move them in a circle, one hand going over the other, like things falling into their proper place. Say the words slowly while you move, so children connect the motion with the idea of doing things in order and with kindness.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 14 for Kids
Long ago, the church in the city of Corinth was full of excited people. God had given some of them special gifts, and they loved using them. Some people spoke in languages that others could not understand, and some spoke messages from God to help people. Everyone wanted to share, and the meetings were very noisy.
The apostle Paul wrote a letter to tell them how to worship well. He said that the best gift to desire is love, and that the most helpful words are the ones people can understand. If someone speaks in a language no one knows, the listeners are not helped at all. Paul said, “I would rather speak five words that people understand than ten thousand words that no one can follow.”
Paul gave a picture to help them. He said that if a trumpet makes a sound that is not clear, no one knows it is time to get ready for battle. In the same way, our words should be clear, so that people know what we mean and can learn from us.
Paul also told them that when they meet together, everything they do should build each other up. He told them to take turns, so that only one person speaks at a time and everyone can listen. He said, “Let all things be done in a good way and in order,” because God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 14:3
But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul says the words of someone speaking for God are meant to help people. Ask the children to name ways a kind word can build someone up, such as saying thank you or telling a friend they did a good job.
1 Corinthians 14:9
So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air.
(WEB)
Show the children that Paul talks about words that are easy to understand. Explain that if we speak too quickly, too quietly, or in a way no one can follow, our words do not help the people listening.
1 Corinthians 14:26
What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul wants everything to be done to build each other up. Help the children see that every person in the group matters and that God wants us to think about how our actions help others.
Talk About It
- What is one kind thing you could say to someone at church this week?
- Why do you think it is important that people can understand what is being said?
- How does it feel when someone speaks clearly and kindly to you?
- What can we do to help our church meetings be calm and orderly?
- How can we take turns and listen well to our friends and family?
Activity Ideas
Build Each Other Up Paper Chain
You will need construction paper strips, markers, and tape or glue. Have each child write one encouraging word or short kind message on a strip, then link the strips together into a long chain. Hang the chain in your classroom or home, and explain that each word is a link that helps hold our group together, just as our words should build each other up.
Take Turns Pass the Ball
You will need a soft ball or a rolled-up sock. Sit the children in a circle and pass the ball around. The child holding the ball gets to speak, and the others must listen quietly until the ball is passed. Remind them that Paul wanted people to take turns so everyone could be understood and nothing would be confusing.
Thank You Card Take Home
You will need paper, crayons, and envelopes. Ask each child to draw and write a short, clear thank you note to a family member or friend. Encourage them to use words that are easy to read and understand. They can take the card home and deliver it, practicing the idea of using their words to encourage others.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the gifts God gives are meant to serve the whole community, not to draw attention to the speaker. Paul’s main concern is that worship be clear, orderly, and loving, so that everyone present can be built up in faith. Paul puts the value of love at the center of spiritual gifts, and he returns to the idea that God is a God of peace.
Avoid overstating to children the details of how spiritual gifts like speaking in other languages worked in the early church, since scholars and churches understand these passages in different ways. Keep the focus on the clear message: use words that help people understand and encourage one another.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving us words to share with others. Help us speak kindly and clearly, so that everyone who listens is helped and encouraged. Help us take turns and build up each other with love. Amen.
