This lesson teaches children that God wants them to live as children of light, showing love, kindness and thankfulness in everything they do. It suits children aged about 5 to 11 and takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, questions and a short activity.
Big Idea
Because God loves us, we get to live in his light. That means we choose kind, honest and thankful ways to act, and we love the people around us just as Jesus loves us.
Memory Verse
Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light…
(WEB)
Hold both hands up like a lamp, then slowly open your fingers wide as if the light is spreading. Say the verse together while you move, and let the children turn their “lamps” on and off as they repeat it.
The Story: Ephesians 5 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the friends in the city of Ephesus. He wanted them to know how much God loved them. God loved them so much that he made them his own dear children, and Paul wanted them to act like it.
Paul told the friends that Jesus loved them and gave himself up for them. Because of that love, they could show love to others too. He said, “Walk in love,” which means living every day in a way that looks like Jesus. Paul also said that rude talk, grumbling and wanting what belongs to other people do not fit God’s family.
Instead of bad words, Paul said they should give thanks. He reminded them that they used to live in darkness, but now they belonged to the light. He told them to be filled with the Spirit and to sing songs and psalms to God together, thanking him for everything.
Paul also wrote about families. He told wives and husbands to treat each other with respect and love, just as Jesus cares for the people he loves. He said, “Husbands, love your wives,” and “Wives, respect your husbands.” Each person was to act with kindness toward the other.
Paul ended by reminding everyone to pay attention to how they lived. He wanted them to be wise and to understand what pleases the Lord. Living as children of light meant choosing good things every day.
Read It Together
Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. 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 that God wants us to copy him the way young children copy their parents. Ask the children how Jesus showed love by giving himself for us, and let them name one way they can show love this week.
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)
Show the children that singing and thanking God can happen anywhere, even in the car or at the dinner table. Ask them to name something they are thankful for, then sing one short song together.
Ephesians 5:25-26
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it; 26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word…
(WEB)
Explain that husbands are asked to love their wives the way Jesus loves the church, which is gentle and caring. Talk about how family members can care for each other with kind words and helpful actions.
Talk About It
- What does it mean to be a child of light, and how can you let your light shine at school?
- Which kind of talk do you think God wants us to use, and why?
- What is something good you can thank God for today?
- How did Jesus show love to us, and how can you copy him this week?
- What is one way you can be kind to someone in your family without being asked?
Activity Ideas
Light Lantern Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons or markers. Ask them to draw a lantern or candle and write or draw one kind thing they can do this week. Tape the lanterns to a wall or window so the room looks bright, and talk about how God’s light helps us do good things.
Lamp and Shadow Game
Turn off the lights and shine a flashlight across the room. Have the children stand in a line and take turns stepping into the beam to act out a kind action, such as helping a friend or saying thank you. Everyone else guesses the action, then reminds the group that we walk in the light.
Thankful Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and some paper strips. Each day for a week, the child writes one thing they are thankful for and folds it into the jar. At the end of the week, read the strips aloud together and thank God for each one, reminding the family that giving thanks is part of living as children of light.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter calls believers to live out the new life Christ has given them. Paul connects holy living with gratitude, worship and mutual respect in the home and in the church. Its teaching on marriage is rooted in Christ’s self-giving love and is best understood within the whole picture of Christian love and service.
With children, avoid overstating the marriage section as a set of rules for adult relationships. Keep the focus on the broader lesson of love, respect and kindness in every family, and let older children ask questions while you answer simply and honestly.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us and making us your own children. Help us walk in your light, choose kind words, and thank you for everything. Show us how to love others the way Jesus loves us. Amen.
