This lesson teaches children that Jesus welcomes everyone, and that we should welcome one another the same way. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus loves and accepts every person, so we can love and accept each other too, even when we are different.
Memory Verse
Romans 15:7
Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and open their arms wide like a hug on the word “accept,” then wrap their own arms around themselves. Repeat it together three times, moving the arms each time so the motion sticks in their minds.
The Story: Romans 15 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the friends of Jesus in the city of Rome. Some of the friends had grown up knowing the rules of the Jewish faith, and others had grown up in families who worshiped many different gods. Now they were all following Jesus together, and sometimes they did not get along very well.
Paul was a strong and brave teacher. He told the people who felt strong in their faith that they should be patient with the people who were still learning. He said they should not only do what made them happy, but help others grow. Paul reminded them that Jesus did not live to please himself. Jesus cared about everyone, even when it cost him a great deal.
Paul also wrote that the Scriptures were written so that we could learn and be encouraged to keep hoping. God is the one who gives us patience and encouragement, and he helps friends agree with each other. Paul prayed that the people would be full of joy and peace as they trusted God.
Paul told them to accept one another, just as Christ had accepted them. Jesus had welcomed people who were different, people who were not expected to be part of God’s family. Paul said that God’s plan had always included people from every nation. He explained that God’s mercy reaches all the peoples of the earth.
Paul was excited about his travels. He was going to visit many places to tell others the Good News about Jesus. He asked the friends in Rome to pray for him, so that he would be safe and could share his joy with them when he arrived.
Read It Together
Romans 15:1-2
1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul says the strong should help carry the weak, and that we should please our neighbor by building him up. Ask children what it might look like to help a friend who is struggling at school or at home.
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
(WEB)
Show children that God is called the God of hope and that he fills us with joy and peace when we believe in him. Explain that hope means looking forward to good things God has promised, even when we cannot see them yet.
Romans 15:33
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul ends his letter by saying God’s peace is with everyone. Explain that peace is something God gives, and we can share it with the people around us by being kind and gentle.
Talk About It
- What is one way Jesus showed that he welcomed people who were different from others?
- How can you help a friend who is finding something hard to do?
- Why do you think God wants all kinds of people to be part of his family?
- What is something that gives you hope when you feel worried or scared?
- How can you show someone that you accept them, even if they do things differently than you?
Activity Ideas
Hands Around the World Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil for each child. Have each child trace one of their hands on the paper and decorate it to look like a different person, adding a name, favorite color, or favorite food on each finger. Hang the finished hands together on a wall or table to show that God’s family has room for everyone.
Carry Each Other Relay
You will need a few soft items like pillows or cushions and a clear space in the room or yard. Divide the children into pairs, and have one child carry a cushion while the other guides them safely across the space, then switch roles. Talk afterward about how helping each other reaches the finish line together, just as Paul encouraged the friends in Rome to build one another up.
Peace Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day for a week, have your child write or draw one kind thing they did for someone else or one thing that gave them hope, then fold the slip and put it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes aloud together and thank God for the peace and hope he gives.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Romans 15 shows that the church is meant to be a community where believers with different backgrounds, strengths, and struggles accept one another as Christ accepted them. Paul ties this unity to the hope and encouragement found in Scripture and to God’s wider plan of mercy for all peoples.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that welcoming others means agreeing with everything they do or believe. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love and kindness, and let children see that acceptance and shared truth both matter in God’s family.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving everyone and for welcoming us into your family. Help us to be kind and patient with each other, to help our friends when they need it, and to share your peace wherever we go. Fill us with hope and joy, so that we can love others the way Jesus loves us. Amen.
