In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His promises even when a family disagreement is hard. Kids ages 5 to 11 can work through it in about 20 to 30 minutes, with a short story, a memory verse, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God takes care of us, so we can choose peace over fighting. When we trust Him, we can let others have the first choice and still know He will provide for us.
Memory Verse
Genesis 13:14
The LORD said to Abram, after Lot was separated from him, “Now, lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward…
(WEB)
Have children stand up and lift their eyes toward the ceiling, then slowly turn their heads left and right as they say the verse together. This helps them picture Abram looking across the land God was showing him.
The Story: Genesis 13 for Kids
Abram and his nephew Lot lived together, and both of them had many animals. Abram had sheep, goats, cattle, and tents, and so did Lot. Abram had gotten very rich, and God had blessed him with lots of silver and gold.
The land was not big enough for all their animals to graze in one place. The herdsmen who looked after the flocks started to argue and fight about where to take them. Abram did not want his family to keep quarreling, so he spoke kindly to Lot.
Abram said, “Please, let us not fight. We are family. Look, the whole land is in front of you. You choose where you want to go, and I will go the other way.” Abram gave Lot the first choice, even though he was the older one and could have taken the best land for himself.
Lot looked across the valley near the Jordan River, which was green and well-watered like a garden. He chose that land for himself and moved his family toward the city of Sodom. Abram stayed in the land of Canaan and lived near some oak trees at Mamre.
Then God spoke to Abram again. God said, “Look all around you. I will give you all this land, and your children will be as many as the dust on the ground.” Abram trusted God’s promise, and he built an altar there to worship the LORD.
Read It Together
Genesis 13:8
Abram said to Lot, “Please, let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen; for we are relatives.
(WEB)
Point out that Abram began by saying “let there be no strife.” Ask children why Abram wanted peace in his family, and remind them that being family means we treat each other with kindness even when we disagree.
Genesis 13:9
Isn’t the whole land before you? Please separate yourself from me. If you go to the left hand, then I will go to the right. Or if you go to the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
(WEB)
Show children that Abram gave Lot the first choice. Explain that being generous with others is one way to show God’s love, and that Abram did not need to grab the best spot because he trusted God to take care of him.
Genesis 13:15-17
15 For all the land which you see, I will give to you, and to your offspring forever. 16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can count the dust of the earth, then your offspring may also be counted. 17 Arise, walk through the land in its length and in its width; for I will give it to you.”
(WEB)
Help children see that God made a promise to Abram after Lot left. Point out that God said “I will give it to you,” and that God keeps every promise He makes, even when we give up something first.
Talk About It
- What do you think Abram felt when he gave Lot the first choice of the land?
- Can you remember a time when you shared something you wanted, and how did that feel?
- How did Abram show that he trusted God to take care of him?
- What can we do when we are arguing with someone in our family?
- Why do you think God wanted Abram to look all around at the land?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Promise Land Map
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a simple map of the land Abram could see, with a river, some trees, and a city. Have them write or draw the words “God will take care of us” somewhere on the map to remember God’s promise.
Share the Spot Game
You will need two chairs, a small blanket or towel, and a few friends. Two children stand at opposite ends of the room, and one child gets to pick a side first and sit on the blanket. The other child then takes the leftover space, and the group cheers for both of them for sharing well.
Peace Reminder Card
You will need an index card, markers, and a stick-on note or ribbon. Have each child write “Let’s not fight, we are family” on the card and decorate it with a tent or an oak tree. Children can take it home and place it somewhere they will see it when they feel like arguing.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that real peace often requires someone to yield first. Abram had every right to claim the best land, yet he trusted God’s faithfulness more than his own advantage, and God responded by renewing His promise to him.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God rewards every act of sharing with material blessings. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His love, so children understand that trust in Him is the real foundation, not a bargaining tool.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for taking care of us every day. Help us to choose peace when we disagree with others, and help us trust You to provide for us. Thank You for keeping all of Your promises. Amen.
