In this lesson, children learn that God helps us live good, loving lives even when others are unkind or when things feel hard. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we do good and love others, God is with us, even when people make fun of us or life feels hard. We can trust God to take care of us.
Memory Verse
1 Peter 4:8
And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
(WEB)
Ask the children to cross their arms over their hearts and give a gentle hug to themselves as they say the verse. Then have them open their arms wide, like a big hug, on the word “covers,” to show how love wraps around others.
The Story: 1 Peter 4 for Kids
Peter wrote a letter to Christians who were facing hard times. Some people did not like them because they followed Jesus. Peter wanted them to remember that Jesus had also suffered, and that Jesus showed us how to live with a good heart. Peter said that we should stop living only for the things we want, and instead live for what God wants for us.
Peter told the Christians that some people would think it was strange that they did not join in with bad choices. Some people would say unkind things. Peter did not want them to be scared or ashamed. He said that if someone was mocked for following Jesus, they should still be happy, because God’s Spirit was resting on them.
Peter wanted the believers to be careful with their hearts. He told them to think clearly and to pray. He told them that the most important thing was to love one another deeply. Love can cover many mistakes, and it helps us care for each other. He said they should welcome each other into their homes without complaining, and use the gifts God gave them to help others.
Peter reminded them that God is faithful. Even when people treat us badly, we can give our hearts to God, who made us and always keeps His promises. Peter said that God will be honored through the good things we do.
Read It Together
1 Peter 4:1-2
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; 2 that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
(WEB)
Point out that Christ suffered for us, and that we can choose to follow God’s will instead of our own selfish wants. Ask the children what it means to live for God.
1 Peter 4:12-13
12 Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. 13 But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.
(WEB)
Explain that hard times can come, and that Peter told them not to be surprised. Show the children that God gives us reasons to have joy even when life is difficult.
1 Peter 4:19
Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.
(WEB)
Tell the children that when we suffer for doing good, we can trust our souls to God, who is faithful. Remind them that God always keeps His promises and never leaves us alone.
Talk About It
- What are some ways we can show love to our family and friends this week?
- How do you think someone might feel if people made fun of them for doing the right thing?
- What does it mean to use the gifts God gave us to help others?
- Why do you think Peter told the Christians to pray and think clearly?
- When life feels hard, what is one thing you can do to remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Love Covers Collage
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and some safe scraps of fabric or tissue paper. Ask them to draw a big heart in the center and then cover it with pieces of fabric or paper, showing how love covers many things. Let them write the word “love” somewhere on the page and share one way they can show love this week.
Hug and Stand Game
Clear some space in the room and have the children stand in a circle. Call out different ways to show love, such as “help someone,” “share a toy,” or “say a kind word.” When you say one, children take a step forward and do a movement that shows it, like a hug or a wave. Keep the game lively and end with everyone standing together in a big circle hug.
Gift Card for Home
Give each child an index card, a pencil, and a small paper bag or envelope. Ask them to write one way they can use a gift God gave them to help someone at home, such as making a bed or reading to a sibling. Let them decorate the bag or envelope and place the card inside as a reminder to take home and use during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter teaches that Christians may face hostility or misunderstanding because they follow Christ, but they are called to love deeply, serve generously, and entrust themselves to a faithful God. Peter places suffering within the larger hope of Christ’s glory and God’s just judgment.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God causes or wants children to suffer, or that they should accept unsafe situations. Focus instead on kindness, courage to do right, and trust that God is near.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and helping us do what is good. Help us to love others, to share, and to speak kindly, even when it is hard. When people are unkind, help us remember that You are with us and will take care of us. Thank You for being faithful to us always. Amen.
