This lesson teaches children that Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth ends with simple, practical instructions: be ready, stay strong, and do everything with love. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God wants us to stand strong in what is good and do everything we do with love, including helping our friends and family.
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 16:14
Let all that you do be done in love.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up with palms open, then bring them together and wrap your arms around yourself in a big hug. Do this each time you say the verse, so children connect the words with the picture of love.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 16 for Kids
Paul was a teacher who wrote letters to new churches. He wrote one to the friends in Corinth, a busy city by the sea. Near the end of his letter, he gave them some last, helpful instructions.
Paul asked the Corinthian believers to save a little money each week. The money would help other Christians in Jerusalem who did not have enough food. He wanted their giving to be ready when he came, so no one would have to rush around at the last minute.
Paul told the church about his travel plans. He wanted to visit them, but he also had work to finish in Ephesus. He sent good friends, Timothy and Apollos, to help. Paul asked the church to welcome Timothy kindly. “Do not let anyone look down on him,” Paul said, because Timothy was doing the Lord’s work.
Next, Paul gave a short list of strong words. “Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!” Paul knew the church would face hard days, so he wanted them to stay brave and faithful.
Paul then thanked a family named Stephanas. They had worked hard to help other Christians. Paul asked the church to respect people like them, because they had cheered him up and helped the whole church.
The letter ended with greetings from friends like Aquila and Priscilla, who met with a church in their home. Paul sent love to everyone and wrote his last words, “My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.”
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise. 2 On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asked each person to give regularly and set something aside. Ask children what small things they could save or share, and remind them that giving can be simple and happy.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
(WEB)
Read the four short commands slowly and ask children to repeat each one. Explain that standing firm means staying close to what is true, even when friends tease us or things feel hard.
1 Corinthians 16:17-18
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
(WEB)
Point out that Stephanas and his friends encouraged Paul, and Paul was thankful. Talk about someone who helped your child recently and how a simple thank you can make a person feel seen.
Talk About It
- What is one way you can stay strong when someone tries to make you do something wrong?
- Why do you think Paul wanted the people to save money before he arrived?
- What does it mean to do everything in love, even chores or homework?
- How can you show respect to a helper, like a teacher or a friend who works hard?
- Who is someone who has cheered you up, and how could you cheer someone else up this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Strong Heart
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a heart shape on paper and cut it out. Ask them to write one word from the lesson inside the heart, such as “love,” “strong,” or “faithful.” Let them decorate the edges and hang it where they will see it each day.
Stand Firm Freeze Game
Play a simple game of freeze tag in an open room or yard. When you call out “Stand firm!” children freeze with feet planted wide. When you call out “Show love!” they give a friend a high five or a hug. Mix the commands quickly so children listen carefully and enjoy moving together.
Take-Home Thank You Card
Give each child a folded piece of paper and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of someone who has helped them this week and write or dictate a short thank you. Encourage them to give the card to that person at home, at school, or at church, so the lesson becomes a real act of love.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this final chapter shows that Christian life is practical as well as spiritual. Paul moves from money and travel plans to strength, respect, and love, showing that faithfulness shows up in ordinary daily decisions. Notice how he honors the people who serve quietly and encourages the church to do the same.
Avoid overstating the details of Paul’s travel plans or the exact details of the Jerusalem collection to children. Keep the focus on the main truth: stay faithful, honor helpers, and act in love, without turning the lesson into a lesson about history or finances.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for helping us stand strong and do everything with love. Help us to honor the people who work hard to help others, and help us to be ready to share what we have. Give us courage when things feel hard, and help us to show kindness to everyone we meet. Amen.
