This lesson teaches children that Paul was glad to hear his friends in Thessalonica kept trusting God, even when life was hard. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When friends are going through hard things, we can encourage them, pray for them, and remind them that God is with them.
Memory Verse
1 Thessalonians 3:8
For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with arms wide like a strong tree, then bend their knees and bring their arms back in close, saying “Stand fast” together. Repeat it three times, faster each time, so the words stick.
The Story: 1 Thessalonians 3 for Kids
Paul was far away from his friends in the city of Thessalonica. He missed them so much that he could not stand it any longer. He stayed behind in Athens, but he sent his good friend Timothy to visit them and help them stay strong in their faith.
Paul had warned the Thessalonians before that hard times might come. Sure enough, trouble came, and the new Christians had to face it. Paul wanted to know how they were doing, so he worried about them and wondered if they still trusted God.
Then Timothy came back to Paul with wonderful news. The Thessalonians still loved Jesus, and they still loved Paul too. They remembered him kindly and wanted to see him again. Paul felt so happy and thankful to God that his heart was full.
Paul prayed for his friends every day and every night. He asked God to help them grow closer to one another and to love everyone around them. He wanted their hearts to be pure and good when Jesus comes back.
Paul knew that God was the one who would keep them strong. Paul said that the Thessalonians could stand firm because God was with them, and that is a comfort for us today.
Read It Together
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, 13 to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul prays the Lord will help people love each other more and more. Ask children how they can show love to a friend at school this week.
1 Thessalonians 3:2
And sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith…
(WEB)
Show children that Timothy was sent to comfort and strengthen the believers. Explain that God often helps us through other people who come alongside us.
1 Thessalonians 3:6
But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you…
(WEB)
Point out that Timothy brought good news about the Thessalonians’ faith and love. Remind children that Paul was glad to hear good news, and that they can share good news about God with others.
Talk About It
- What did Paul do when he missed his friends in Thessalonica?
- Why do you think Paul sent Timothy to visit them?
- How did Paul feel when Timothy brought good news back to him?
- What did Paul pray for his friends, and what does that teach us about praying for others?
- When a friend is going through something hard, what is one way you could help or encourage them?
Activity Ideas
Strong Tree Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and glue. Have each child draw a tall tree with deep roots and a trunk that stands firm. Ask them to write or draw a word on each root, such as “faith,” “love,” or “prayer.” Talk about how roots help a tree stand strong, just as faith helps us stand strong.
Stand Fast Game
Clear some space in the room and place a few cushions in a line. Call out a command like “Hop to the blue chair” or “Stand on one foot.” Children must “stand fast” and keep their balance for a count of five before moving on. Afterward, say that standing fast in God is what Paul wanted for his friends.
Thank-You Card Take-Home
You will need a sheet of paper folded in half and crayons. Have each child draw a picture of someone who encourages them and write a short thank-you on the inside. Encourage them to give the card to that person this week. Explain that encouraging others is one way we show love just like Paul did.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Paul’s deep pastoral heart. He cared so much about the Thessalonians that he sent Timothy, prayed constantly, and rejoiced when they remained faithful. It reminds us that God strengthens his people through faithful friends, shared suffering, and steady prayer.
Avoid suggesting to children that trouble will always go away when they trust God. Paul was honest that the believers faced affliction. Help children understand that God is with us in hard times rather than promising that hard times will never come.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for friends who love us and help us stay strong. Help us to pray for others when they are sad or scared, and help us to love everyone the way Jesus loves us. Keep our hearts strong and full of your love until Jesus comes back. Amen.
