In this lesson, children learn that because Jesus has made them new, they can choose kind and loving actions every day. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus made us new, so we can pick kind words and kind actions, just like God’s loved children do.
Memory Verse
Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance…
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Have children stand tall, then place both hands over their hearts as they say the words slowly. On “compassion” and “kindness,” have them gently open their arms wide, like a hug for a friend.
The Story: Colossians 3 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the friends in a city called Colossae. He wanted them to know that they belonged to Jesus, and that Jesus had made them brand new. Paul said their old way of living was like a dirty coat, and it was time to take it off.
Paul told them to get rid of angry words and mean talk. He said, “Don’t lie to one another.” Lying and grumbling were like old clothes that did not fit anymore. The friends could let them go, because Jesus was making them new inside.
Then Paul talked about the clothes God wants us to wear. He said to put on a heart of compassion, which means caring when someone is hurting. He also wanted them to wear kindness, humility, and patience. Paul said, “Put on love,” because love holds everything together.
Paul then taught about families. He told children to obey their parents, because this makes the Lord happy. He also told parents to be gentle and not to make their children feel small. Everyone in the family was asked to treat each other with care.
Finally, Paul said that whatever we do, we should do it for Jesus. Whether we are working, helping at home, or playing, we can do our best. Paul reminded them that Jesus sees every act of love and remembers it.
Read It Together
Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
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Point out that forgiving each other is something Jesus first did for us. Ask children to think of a time someone forgave them, and how it felt to be given a fresh start.
Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
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Show that this verse covers everything, even small things like cleaning up toys or helping set the table. Explain that doing these tasks with thankfulness is a way of honoring Jesus.
Colossians 3:23
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men…
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Help children see that they can work hard at school or chores, not just to please people, but because they belong to the Lord. Remind them that a job done well for Jesus matters, even when no one is watching.
Talk About It
- What is one kind thing you did for someone this week?
- What does it mean to have a heart of compassion?
- When someone hurts your feelings, how can you show them forgiveness?
- What is one thing you could do today to help your family feel loved?
- How can you show God you are thankful for what he has done for you?
Activity Ideas
Clothes of Love Collage
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and old magazines for cutting. Ask each child to draw a simple shirt shape, then glue or draw on pictures and words that show love, like a hug, a smile, or the word patience. Talk about how these are the clothes God wants us to wear every day.
Put On, Take Off Game
Gather a few sweaters, hats, or scarves from around the house. Call out a word like “kindness” or “anger,” and have children pretend to put on the kind clothes or take off the mean ones. Keep it lively and let everyone take a turn choosing the words.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day for a week, have your family write one thing they did in love or one thing they are thankful for. Read the slips together at dinner, and remind everyone that Jesus has made them new and loved.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter describes the new life believers have in Christ. Because we have been raised with Jesus, we are called to set our hearts on him and let his love shape how we speak, treat others, and work. Paul’s list of virtues flows from identity, not from trying harder to earn God’s approval.
With children, avoid suggesting that God only loves them when they behave well. Make clear that God’s love comes first, and kind actions are our grateful response. Keep the focus on Jesus making us new rather than on a long list of rules.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for making us new and loving us so much. Help us to wear kindness, patience, and love each day. Show us how to forgive others and to work with thankful hearts for you. Amen.
