This lesson teaches children that because Jesus has made them new, they can choose kind and loving actions every day. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the memory verse, and the activity.
Big Idea
Because Jesus has made us new, we get to put on love, kindness, and patience like clothes every day, especially when others are hard to be around.
Memory Verse
Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance…
(WEB)
Ask the children to pretend they are pulling on a big warm sweater, one arm and then the other, while they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time until the room is whispering it.
The Story: Colossians 3 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the church in a city called Colossae. Paul was a friend of Jesus, and he loved these new Christians very much. He wanted them to know that following Jesus changes the way we live.
Paul told them that when we trust Jesus, we are raised up with him. Our hearts should look up toward the good things of heaven, where Jesus is sitting next to God. Paul said that our old, unkind ways of acting should be taken off, like dirty clothes thrown into the laundry. Anger, mean words, and lying do not belong to people who belong to Jesus.
Then Paul talked about new clothes. He said God’s chosen people should wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Imagine a little girl named Mia whose brother broke her toy. Paul would tell Mia to be patient and to forgive him, just as Jesus forgave her.
Paul said that above all these things, we should wear love. Love holds everything else together, like a belt holds up a pair of pants. He also said that the peace of God should rule in our hearts, and that we should always be thankful.
Paul also gave special words to families and workers. He told children to obey their parents, because that pleases the Lord. He told fathers not to make their children angry. He told workers to do their best work, as if they were working for Jesus himself and not only for people who were watching.
Paul ended by reminding everyone that Jesus sees what we do, whether good or bad. Jesus is fair, and he will take care of every person.
Read It Together
Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
(WEB)
Point out the word “forgiving.” Ask the children to think of a time someone said sorry to them, and explain that God wants us to forgive the way Jesus forgave us, even when it is hard.
Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
(WEB)
Show the children that obeying parents is a way to please the Lord. Explain that it is not only about following rules but about trusting that God gave them families to take care of them.
Colossians 3:23
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men…
(WEB)
Help the children see that small jobs, like tidying a room or helping with dishes, can be done for the Lord. Ask them to name one chore they can do this week with a happy heart.
Talk About It
- What is one kind thing you could do for someone in your family this week?
- When someone hurts your feelings, what can you do to show them forgiveness?
- Which of the new clothes Paul talked about, like patience or kindness, is the hardest for you to wear?
- How can you show God that you are thankful for the things he gives you?
- Why do you think Jesus wants us to put on love over everything else?
Activity Ideas
Paper Shirt Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace and cut out a shirt shape, then write one word on it for a kind action, such as “kindness,” “patience,” or “love.” Let them decorate the shirt and hang it in the classroom or on the fridge at home as a reminder.
Dress Up Relay
Gather a few old jackets, hats, and scarves from the closet or the dress-up bin. Divide the children into two teams and have them take turns running to put on each piece of clothing, shouting one kind word as they dress. Talk afterward about how love is the most important thing to put on.
Take Home Kindness Chart
Give each child a sheet of paper folded into seven boxes, one for each day of the week. Ask them to draw a small heart or shirt in a box each time they choose a kind action at home, such as sharing or saying thank you. Look at the chart together at dinner and celebrate what they did.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Colossians 3 teaches that Christian identity shapes behavior. Because believers have been raised with Christ, they are called to put away anger and falsehood and to clothe themselves with compassion, humility, and love. Paul’s instructions for households also show that every relationship, from marriage to work, is meant to reflect Jesus.
When teaching children, avoid making it sound like they must earn God’s love by being perfect. Make it clear that Jesus has already made them new, and that growing in kindness is a response to his love, not a condition for it.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for making us new and for loving us so much. Help us to put on kindness, patience, and love every day. When someone is hard to be around, help us to forgive them like you forgave us. Amen.
