This lesson teaches children that God forgives our sins, heals us, and loves us very much, even when we make mistakes. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is kind, patient, and forgiving, and he loves us like a loving father loves his children. We can always thank him for all the good things he does for us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 103:13
Like a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
(WEB)
Have children place one hand on their chest and gently pat it as they say the verse together. Then have them open both arms wide, as if giving a big hug, on the words about the Lord’s compassion. Repeat the motions three times.
The Story: Psalm 103 for Kids
King David wrote a happy song to God. He looked around at all the good things God had done for him. He felt so thankful that his whole body wanted to sing. David began by saying to himself, “Praise the Lord, my soul! Don’t forget all the good things he does for you.”
David remembered that God forgives our sins. He remembered that God heals people when they are sick and hurt. God rescues people from danger and pits of trouble. David told everyone that God crowns his people with love and kindness, like a king wearing a golden crown. God gives good things to his people so they feel strong and new again.
David knew that God is not mean or angry all the time. God is slow to get angry and quick to show mercy. When people do wrong, God does not punish them the way they deserve. Instead, he forgives them. David said God takes our wrongs as far away as the east is from the west. That is a very long way!
David also remembered that people are not perfect. He said we are like grass that grows and then dries up. But God’s love never ends. It lasts forever for everyone who loves him and tries to obey him. David asked the whole world, including the angels, to join him in praising God.
At the end of his song, David said, “Praise the Lord, my soul!” He wanted his heart to keep thanking God every single day. David found joy in remembering that God is good.
Read It Together
Psalm 103:8
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.
(WEB)
Point out the words about God being merciful, gracious, and slow to anger. Ask children to name a time when they were glad someone was patient with them. Connect that feeling to how God treats us.
Psalm 103:11-12
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
(WEB)
Show children a map or globe and trace from east to west with your finger. Explain that God’s love reaches farther than we can imagine, and that he removes our wrongs as far away as that distance.
Psalm 103:17-18
17 But the LORD’s loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear him, his righteousness to children’s children; 18 to those who keep his covenant, to those who remember to obey his precepts.
(WEB)
Point out the phrase “from everlasting to everlasting,” and explain that it means forever and ever. Ask children how they can show they love God by remembering and obeying his good instructions.
Talk About It
- What is one good thing God has given you that you are thankful for today?
- How do you feel when someone forgives you after you have done something wrong?
- Why do you think God wants to forgive us instead of punishing us?
- In what ways can you remind yourself to praise God during a normal school day?
- What does it look like to act like a loving father or mother the way God loves us?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Kindness Craft
You will need construction paper, scissors, crayons or markers, and tape or a stapler. Cut a strip of paper long enough to fit around each child’s head and tape it into a loop. Let children decorate their crowns with stickers or drawings of good things God gives, such as food, friends, and sunshine. Talk about how God crowns us with love and kindness.
Eagle Renewal Game
You will need a open space, such as a hallway or backyard, and a few soft objects to act as obstacles. Ask children to stretch their arms out like eagle wings and flap slowly around the room. Each time they hear a clap, they must fly to a new spot. Explain that God renews our strength like an eagle’s, and let the game end with everyone standing tall and cheering.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper strips, and a pen or pencil. Place the jar and paper where the family can see them each day. Each family member writes one thing God did for them that day and folds the paper into the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes aloud together and thank God for each gift.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 103 is a song of praise that invites the reader to remember God’s many gifts, especially his forgiveness, healing, and steady love. For adults, it teaches that God’s mercy is not earned but freely given, and that he treats us with the patience of a loving parent. The psalm also reminds us that human life is short and fragile, which should make us more grateful for God’s faithfulness that never ends.
Avoid overstating to children that God never allows any hard things to happen. Children may have sad experiences, such as illness or loss, and it is better to say that God is always with us and loves us through difficult times rather than promising that bad things will never come.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for forgiving us when we do wrong and for loving us every day. Thank you for healing us, for giving us good things, and for being patient with us. Help us remember your kindness and praise you with our whole hearts. Amen.
