This lesson teaches children that God wants us to give our whole selves to him, and that we show his love by how we treat other people. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verse, and one activity.
Big Idea
God wants all of me, and he helps me show love to the people around me every day.
Memory Verse
Romans 12:9
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.
(WEB)
Ask children to place both hands on their hearts, then slowly open their arms wide like a hug. Say the verse together while hugging yourself, then repeat it with the motion until everyone can do it without looking.
The Story: Romans 12 for Kids
A man named Paul wrote a letter to the friends in the city of Rome. Paul loved these friends very much, and he wanted them to know how God wanted them to live. He wrote to them about the mercy God had shown them, and he asked them to give their whole selves to God, like a gift on an altar.
Paul told them that people who love God should not copy the ways of the world around them. Instead, God would change the way they thought, so they could know what was good and pleasing to him. Paul also said that everyone in the church was like a different part of one body. A hand does not try to be an eye, and an ear does not try to be a foot. Each part has a special job, and every part matters.
Next, Paul talked about many kinds of gifts. Some people could teach, some could help others, some could share what they had, and some could lead. Paul said each person should use their gift with all their heart. He wanted them to be kind, to be patient, and to keep praying even when things were hard.
Paul also told his friends what to do when someone was unkind to them. He did not say to pay them back with something mean. He said to bless people who hurt us, to be at peace with others as much as we can, and to leave the justice of big things to God. Then he said something surprising. If your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink. Paul ends the chapter by saying, do not let evil beat you, but beat evil with good.
Read It Together
Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
(WEB)
Point out the word “living” and ask children what it means to give God their whole selves. Explain that Paul is saying God wants our everyday lives, not only the things we do at church.
Romans 12:4-5
4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don’t have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
(WEB)
Show how Paul compares the church to a body with many parts. Ask children to wiggle a finger, then a toe, and talk about how each part helps the whole body work.
Romans 12:21
Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul says to overcome evil with good. Explain that this means choosing kindness even when someone has been unkind, and that God helps us do this.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you can give to God each day, like your time, your words, or your kindness?
- Paul said we are all parts of one body. Who is one person in your family or class who helps the group, and how do they help?
- What is a gift God has given you that you could use to help someone else?
- What is a hard thing someone did to you, and how could you answer it with something good?
- When you feel sad about someone else’s happiness or pain, what can you do to share their feelings?
Activity Ideas
Hand Body Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Have each child trace their hand on paper and write one gift they have, such as singing, drawing, or helping. Tape the hands together into a large paper body and talk about how each hand is needed to make the whole body work.
Hot Potato Kindness Game
You will need a soft ball or a folded sock. Have children stand in a circle and pass the ball while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the ball names one kind thing they can do for someone else. Keep the game moving so everyone gets a turn to share.
Family Kindness Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask your child to write one act of kindness on each slip, such as helping with dishes or sharing a snack, and place them in the jar. Each day, have the family draw one slip and do that kind act together before bedtime.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Romans 12 is a call to whole-life worship, where ordinary acts of love and humility become a way of honoring God. Paul ties personal transformation to life together in the church, so it is not only about private feelings but about how we serve and bless one another in community.
With children, avoid suggesting that God rewards good behavior with good things or that being kind guarantees people will treat us well. Paul’s point is that we choose good because God is good, and he gives us strength to do it even when life is unfair.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us and making us part of your family. Help us give you our whole hearts, use the gifts you have given us, and show kindness to the people around us. When it is hard, help us choose good over evil, and remind us that you are with us every day. Amen.
