This lesson teaches children that God is with us, strong in us, and always wants us to do what is good and kind. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God lives in those who love Him, and He helps us grow strong and do what is good. Even when we feel weak, God’s power is still at work in us and through us.
Memory Verse
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and make a big circle with their arms, then hold hands and gently sway side to side. As you say the last words, have them give a little bounce, as if they are feeling peace and love all around them.
The Story: 2 Corinthians 13 for Kids
The apostle Paul was writing a letter to the people in the city of Corinth. He loved these friends very much, but some of them had been doing things that were wrong. Paul said he was planning to visit them again, and he wanted them to get their hearts ready.
Paul told them that Christ was not weak in how He treated them. Christ had been nailed to a cross, which looked like weakness, but God raised Him up with great power. Paul said that he and his friends were also weak in some ways, but God’s power would help them serve the people in Corinth.
Next, Paul asked the people to look inside their own hearts. He wanted them to check whether they were really following Jesus. He reminded them that Jesus Christ lives in those who believe. Paul said, in simple words, “Please check your own hearts and make sure you are walking with God.”
Paul prayed that the people would do what was good and right, not because he wanted to look important, but because he cared about them. He told them he was writing these words so that he would not have to be harsh with them when he arrived. Paul wanted to build them up, not tear them down.
At the end of his letter, Paul said, “Rejoice, grow strong, and live in peace.” He sent greetings from his friends and wished for God’s grace, love, and the Holy Spirit to be with everyone. He finished with a warm “Amen,” which means “Yes, it is true.”
Read It Together
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asks the people to look at their own hearts. Explain that this is a loving invitation to check if we are walking closely with Jesus, not a way of calling anyone bad.
2 Corinthians 13:9
For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting.
(WEB)
Show children that Paul was happy when the people were strong in faith. Talk about how we can be glad when our friends grow in kindness and love.
2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.
(WEB)
Point to the three gifts named here: the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Ask children to name one way they have felt God’s love this week.
Talk About It
- What is one thing Paul wanted the people in Corinth to do?
- When Paul said Christ was strong, what did he mean even though Jesus died on a cross?
- How can you tell if you are growing close to Jesus?
- What kind of things help us build up our friends instead of tearing them down?
- Why do you think Paul ended his letter with a prayer for peace and love?
Activity Ideas
Heart Check Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big heart and fill it with things that help them follow Jesus, such as prayer, helping at home, or sharing. Let them show their drawings to the class and explain one picture in their heart.
Build Up Tower Game
You will need empty paper cups or wooden blocks, enough for each child to add one. Divide the children into teams and have them stack the cups or blocks while you call out kind words or actions. Every time they add a piece, they should say something that builds someone up, reminding them that Paul wanted to build people up.
Peace Card for Home
You will need index cards, a marker, and a small piece of tape or string. Have each child write the words “God is with me” and draw a small peace sign on the card. Encourage them to hang it on a bedroom door or put it in a school bag, so they can remember God’s love and peace throughout the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Paul’s pastoral heart as he speaks honestly yet lovingly to a church that needed correction. He urges self-examination, trusts that God’s power works through human weakness, and closes with a blessing of grace, love, and fellowship. Adults can see how seriously Paul took both truth and tenderness.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God is angry or that they must earn His love. Keep the focus on God’s love, peace, and help, and gently explain that checking our hearts is a way of growing closer to Jesus.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us every day and for helping us grow strong in our faith. Help us check our hearts, do what is good, and build up the people around us. Fill us with Your love and peace so that we can share it with our friends and family. Amen.
