This lesson teaches children that God wants us to love Him with our whole heart and to share that love with the people around us every day. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a few questions, and one simple activity.
Big Idea
God is the only God, and He wants us to love Him with everything we have. We can remember His words by talking about them at home, at school, and everywhere we go.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 6:5
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.
(WEB)
Put both hands on your heart, then stretch your arms wide out to the sides. Say the verse together as you stretch, showing that love fills your whole heart and reaches out to everything you do.
The Story: Deuteronomy 6 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people, the Israelites, were about to enter a new land. Moses was their leader, and he stood before them to share some very important words from God. He wanted them to remember what God had done for them and how they should live.
God had brought the Israelites out of Egypt, where they had been slaves to Pharaoh. God rescued them with His mighty power, and they were free. Moses reminded them that God had made a promise to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them a good land full of blessings.
Moses told them the most important thing of all. He said, “Hear, Israel: The LORD is our God. The LORD is one.” God alone was their God, and no other gods could take His place. Moses wanted them to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength.
Moses also told the people to teach these words to their children. He said parents should talk about God when they sit at home, when they walk along the road, when they lie down to sleep, and when they wake up in the morning. God’s words were meant to fill every part of ordinary life.
Moses even gave the people a picture to help them remember. He said they should write God’s words on their doorposts and gates. That way, every time they came in or went out, they would see a reminder of who God is and how much He loves them.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 6:1-3
1 Now this is the commandment, the statutes, and the ordinances, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it; 2 that you might fear the LORD your God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you; you, and your son, and your son’s son, all the days of your life; and that your days may be prolonged. 3 Hear therefore, Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with you, and that you may increase mightily, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised to you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses was reminding the people of God’s commandments before they reached the new land. Ask the children why it might help to hear a reminder before a big change, and notice how God’s words were meant to help the people live well.
Deuteronomy 6:7
And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
(WEB)
Show the children that God’s words were meant to be part of everyday life, not just church. Point out the four moments listed, sitting, walking, lying down, and rising, and ask them to name their own daily moments when they could talk about God.
Deuteronomy 6:20-21
20 When your son asks you in time to come, saying, “What do the testimonies, the statutes, and the ordinances, which the LORD our God has commanded you mean?” 21 then you shall tell your son, “We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt. The LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand…
(WEB)
Explain that a child asked a question, and the parent was told to answer by telling the story of how God rescued His people. Encourage the children to see that asking questions about God is good and that families are meant to share what God has done.
Talk About It
- What are some ways you can show God that you love Him with your whole heart?
- Where do you usually spend time during the day, and how could you talk about God there?
- Why do you think God wanted His words to be remembered every day, not just once?
- What is something God has done for you or your family that you are thankful for?
- What is one question you could ask a grown-up about God this week?
Activity Ideas
Heart and Door Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and tape. Have each child draw a large heart and write or draw the words “Love God” inside it. Then tape the hearts to a doorway or the refrigerator at home, so the children can see a reminder each time they walk by.
Walk and Talk Game
Set up a short path in your room or yard, and call out a movement for each step, such as sitting, walking, lying down, and standing up. At each movement, the children must say one thing they can love God for. This helps them connect God’s words with everyday actions.
Family Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a clear spot to hang them. Help each child write a short phrase from the lesson, such as “God is one” or “Love God with all my heart.” Ask them to take the card home and place it where the family often gathers, like the kitchen table or near the front door.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage calls God’s people to a complete and undivided love for the one true God, and it shows that faith is meant to shape daily life, from morning to night. Parents and teachers are given a central role in passing on God’s story and His words to the next generation. The chapter also reminds us that God’s past faithfulness is the reason we can trust Him now.
Be careful not to make the lesson sound like a list of rules children must follow to earn God’s love. The passage begins with God’s rescue and His promises, so keep the focus on His love and faithfulness first, with obedience as a loving response to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord God, thank You that You are the only God and that You love us so much. Help us to love You with all our hearts, our souls, and our strength. Help us to talk about You every day, at home, at school, and everywhere we go. Amen.
