This lesson teaches children that God saved us because of his kindness and mercy, not because we were good enough. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is kind to us, and he saves us by his mercy, not because of anything good we have done. When we trust him, he makes us new and gives us his Spirit.
Memory Verse
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit…
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands together in front of their chests, then slowly open them outward like a flower blooming. Say the words “mercy” and “new” as the hands open, so the motion reminds them that God makes us new.
The Story: Titus 3 for Kids
Paul wrote a letter to his friend Titus, who was taking care of the church on the island of Crete. Paul wanted Titus to remind the believers how to live well. He asked them to obey the rulers over them and to be ready to do good things for others. He also wanted them to be gentle and kind to everyone they met.
Paul reminded them of something important. Before they knew Jesus, they were foolish and did many wrong things. They were often unkind and mean to one another. Paul wanted them to remember that they had not been good enough to earn anything from God.
Then Paul told them the best news. God showed his kindness and love toward people. He did not save them because of their own good works. He saved them because of his great mercy. He washed them clean and made them new through the Holy Spirit.
Paul told Titus to teach these truths again and again. He said, “These things are good and helpful for people.” He wanted the believers to keep doing good things, because God had already done so much for them. Paul also warned Titus to stay away from silly arguments and fights that did not help anyone.
At the end of the letter, Paul sent greetings from his friends. He told the believers that God’s grace would be with them all.
Read It Together
Titus 3:1-2
1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asked the believers to be kind to everyone, even people who might not be kind back. Ask the children to name one person they can be gentle with this week.
Titus 3:4-5
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit…
(WEB)
Show the children that God’s kindness came first, before anyone did anything good. Explain that God’s mercy is the reason we are saved, and we did not earn it.
Titus 3:7
That being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
(WEB)
Tell the children that God made us his heirs, which means we get to share in the good things he has promised. Remind them that this gift is a gift of eternal life that never ends.
Talk About It
- What is one way God has been kind to you this week?
- Why do you think Paul wanted the believers to be gentle with everyone?
- How does it feel to know that God saved you because of his mercy and not because you were perfect?
- What is one good thing you could do to help someone else this week?
- How can we remind each other about God’s kindness when we forget?
Activity Ideas
Paper Flower of Mercy
You will need construction paper, scissors, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child trace a circle and cut out petals along the edge. Ask them to write one kind thing God has done for them on each petal, then fold the petals inward to make a flower. Let them take it home to remind them of God’s kindness.
Kindness Relay
You will need two bowls, a set of soft cloth balls or socks, and a open space to run. Divide the children into two teams and have them pass the cloth balls from one bowl to the other while carrying them in a spoon or with a partner. Each time a child successfully passes a ball, they say one gentle or kind word to a teammate. Talk about how kindness helps everyone move forward together.
Clean Heart Card
You will need white cardstock, washable markers, and a small cup of water. Have each child draw a heart on the card and color it in. Explain that God washes us clean, then dip a cotton swab in water and gently wipe away a small part of the color to show how God makes us new. Encourage children to take the card home and share the story with their family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage teaches that salvation is a gift from God based on his mercy and kindness, not on human effort. Paul connects this truth to daily life, calling believers to gentleness, humility, and good works that flow from gratitude rather than from a desire to earn God’s favor.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that they must be perfect or work hard enough to be saved. The lesson is about God’s grace, and children can grow confused if the focus shifts to their own performance.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for your kindness and mercy. Thank you for washing us clean and making us new through your Holy Spirit. Help us to be gentle with others and to do good things because we love you. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
