This lesson teaches children that God wants us to walk in love and live as children of light. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves us, so we can love others and choose to live in the light, the way Jesus shows us.
Memory Verse
Ephesians 5:1
Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and hold their hands over their hearts. Then have them slowly open their arms wide, like a child giving a big hug, while they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Ephesians 5 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the people in the city of Ephesus. He wanted them to know how to live as followers of Jesus. He told them that God loves them like a dear child, and that they should try to be like God in the way they treat others.
Paul said that Jesus showed the greatest love of all. Jesus gave himself up for us, like a gift offered to God. So Paul asked the people to walk in love, the same way Jesus walked. He wanted them to share love with their families, friends, and neighbors every single day.
Paul also talked about light and darkness. He said that before they knew Jesus, they were like people living in the dark. But now that they belong to the Lord, they are light. Light helps us see clearly, and it shows what is good and true. So Paul told them to walk as children of light.
Paul knew that being light is not always easy. He reminded them to be careful about what they say and do. He said they should be filled with the Spirit and sing songs and give thanks to God. Paul even said, “Be filled with the Spirit,” which means letting God’s goodness fill up our hearts so we can share it with others.
Paul then wrote about families. He asked husbands and wives to love and respect each other, just as Jesus loves the church. He said that love is the best way to show who God is. Each family can be a place where people feel safe and cared for.
Read It Together
Ephesians 5:2
Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.
(WEB)
Point out the words “walk in love” and show how Jesus loved us by giving himself for us. Ask the children what kinds of small acts of love they can do this week, like sharing a toy or helping with dishes.
Ephesians 5:8-9
8 For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth…
(WEB)
Explain that we were once in darkness, but now we are light in the Lord. Show a flashlight and turn it on to demonstrate how light makes things easier to see. Point out that the fruit of the light is goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Ephesians 5:19-20
19 Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father…
(WEB)
Talk about singing and thanking God as a way to show joy. Let the children share one thing they are thankful for. Remind them that God loves to hear our songs and our thanks, whatever the day looks like.
Talk About It
- What is one way you can show love to someone in your family this week?
- How do you feel when someone is kind to you?
- Why do you think Jesus gave himself up for us?
- What does it mean to be a light in a dark room?
- What is one song or thank-you prayer you can share with God today?
Activity Ideas
Light Shining Picture
You will need black paper, crayons or markers, and a flashlight. Have children draw a simple scene on the black paper using bright colors. Then, shine the flashlight behind the picture so the light glows through. Talk about how light shows the beauty of what God made, just like we can show God’s love to others.
Follow the Leader Light Walk
You will need a flashlight and a clear space in a room. Let one child lead the group by walking slowly and carefully while holding the flashlight. The others follow along, staying close. Explain that a child of light walks carefully and kindly, showing others where to go and how to love one another.
Take-Home Love Note
You will need paper, a pencil, and an envelope. Have children write or draw one act of love they can give to a family member this week. Tuck the note into the envelope and ask them to take it home. Encourage them to share their note and let the family talk about ways to walk in love together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Ephesians 5 calls believers to imitate God, walk in love, and live as children of light. It also describes marriage as a picture of Christ’s love for the church, with husbands and wives each called to a self-giving love and mutual respect. The chapter presents Christian life as a whole, shaped by gratitude and by the Spirit.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the marriage section as a detailed instruction for every family situation. Keep the focus on the big themes of love, kindness, light, and thankfulness, and let children know that God’s love is a safe place for everyone.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us so much. Help us walk in love like Jesus, and help us be bright lights for you wherever we go. Fill our hearts with thankful songs and kind words. We love you, and we want to live in your light. Amen.
