This lesson teaches children that God wants us to love one another and to hold on to what is true, a lesson kids can repeat as “Love God, love others, and keep the truth.” It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, Bible reading and activity.
Big Idea
God loves us, and He wants us to love each other and to keep believing the true things about Jesus. When we love truly and hold to the truth, we stay close to God.
Memory Verse
2 John 1:6
This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
(WEB)
Ask the children to put one hand on their heart and then reach both arms out wide, like giving a big hug. Say the words slowly together as they move, so the actions help them remember that love means doing what God asks.
The Story: 2 John 1 for Kids
An old teacher named John wrote a letter to a special lady and her children. He called her “chosen,” which means God had picked her to be His own. John loved her very much, and he loved her children too. Everyone who knew the truth about Jesus loved her as well.
John was so happy when he heard that some of her children were living in the truth. They were walking the way God had asked them to walk. John had a simple message for her, and it was not a brand new rule. He reminded her of something she had heard from the very beginning, that we should love one another.
John also warned her that some people were going around telling lies. These people did not believe that Jesus came to earth as a real man. John told her to keep her eyes open and to hold tight to the truth. He wanted her to be ready so she would not lose the good things God had already given her.
John said that if someone came to her house and did not bring the true teaching about Jesus, she should not welcome that person in. He did not want her family to take part in what was wrong. Instead, he wanted her to stay close to what was good and true.
John ended by saying he had much more to share, but he would rather come and talk with her face to face. He wanted their joy to be full. Then the children of her sister sent their greetings, and John closed with a word that means “so be it.”
Read It Together
2 John 1:1-3
1 The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all those who know the truth; 2 for the truth’s sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
(WEB)
Point out that John wrote with love and truth, and that grace, mercy and peace come from God and from Jesus. Ask the children what it feels like to receive a letter from someone who cares about them.
2 John 1:4
I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.
(WEB)
Show the children how John felt joy when he saw others doing what was right. Explain that walking in truth means living the way Jesus showed us, every day, in small choices at home and at school.
2 John 1:9
Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son.
(WEB)
Explain that staying close to the true teaching about Jesus is what keeps us near to both God the Father and God the Son. Point out that this verse is about holding on to what is true, not about being unkind to people.
Talk About It
- What is one way you can show love to someone in your family this week?
- How did the lady in the letter know who was telling the truth about Jesus?
- Why do you think John was so happy when he saw her children walking in truth?
- What helps you remember the true things God has told us about Jesus?
- How can we love people kindly while still keeping what is true and good?
Activity Ideas
Heart Card Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a heart shape and write “Love one another” in the middle. Let them decorate the card with colors and drawings, then take it home to put on the fridge or by their bed as a daily reminder.
Truth or Lie Game
Gather the children in a circle and read simple sentences, some true and some false, such as “God made the sky” or “Lies make people happy.” When the sentence is true, children stand up and clap their hands. When it is false, they sit down quietly and shake their heads, practicing how to tell what is true.
Family Kindness Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pencil. Ask each family member to write one loving action they did during the week and drop the slip into the jar. At dinner, read the slips aloud together and thank God for each example of love they show.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this short letter teaches that Christian love and Christian truth belong together. John does not treat love as separate from doctrine. Real love for others includes caring about what is true about Jesus, because the truth is what shapes how we love, and what protects us from being misled.
With children, avoid overstating the part about not welcoming people into your house. Keep the focus on loving everyone while staying faithful to what is true, and remind them that God wants us to be kind to all people, including those who think differently from us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank You for loving us and for giving us the truth about Jesus. Help us love one another every day, at home, at school and at play. Keep us close to what is true and good, so we can share Your love with others. Amen.
