This lesson teaches children that God wants us to be kind, forgiving, and honest with one another, just as Jesus has been kind and forgiving to us. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God helps us be kind and forgiving to each other, just like he forgives us. We are all part of one family, so we treat each other well.
Memory Verse
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
(WEB)
Put both hands on your heart, then reach them out toward a friend with open palms. Do this each time you say the verse together, so your hands remind you to be kind and forgiving.
The Story: Ephesians 4 for Kids
A man named Paul wrote a letter to the people in the city of Ephesus. He was in prison for telling people about Jesus, but he still wanted to encourage his friends. He asked them to live in a way that showed God’s love.
Paul told them that God’s people are like one body, with many different parts working together. Some people were leaders, some were teachers, and some helped others in many ways. Each person had a special job, and everyone was needed. Paul said, “Let us all grow up together in Christ.”
Paul also told them to stop lying and start telling the truth. He said, “Speak the truth to your neighbor, because we belong to one another.” He told people who had stolen to stop stealing and to work hard instead, so they could share with someone who needed help.
Then Paul said something important about our words. “Let no bad talk come out of your mouth,” he wrote, “but only words that help people grow strong.” He wanted the people to speak kindly, because unkind words can hurt a friend’s heart.
Finally, Paul said, “Be kind to one another, and forgive each other, just as God forgave you.” He reminded them that Jesus had forgiven them for every wrong thing they had done. Because God had been so kind to them, they could be kind to others too.
Read It Together
Ephesians 4:2-3
2 With all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; 3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(WEB)
Point out how these verses talk about being patient, gentle, and loving to others. Ask the children what it looks like to be patient when a friend takes a long time to finish a game.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another.
(WEB)
Help the children see that telling the truth is a way of showing love. Explain that when we are honest, our friends and family can trust us, and we can all grow closer together.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
(WEB)
Point out that our words can build people up or tear them down. Encourage the children to think of one kind thing they could say to someone in their family this week.
Talk About It
- What is one way you can show kindness to someone in your family today?
- Why do you think God wants us to forgive people who hurt us?
- How can telling the truth help a friend trust you?
- What is a kind word you could say to someone who feels sad?
- How does it feel to know that God forgave you even when you made mistakes?
Activity Ideas
Handprint Heart Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace their hand on the paper, cut it out, and decorate it with kind words or pictures of people they love. Glue the handprints together in the shape of a heart, and talk about how we are one body, with each person helping to make the whole picture beautiful.
Body Parts Team Game
Gather the children in a open space and call out a body part, like “hands” or “feet.” Each child must work with a partner to do a simple task, such as passing a ball or clapping together. Explain that every part of the body helps the others, just as every person in God’s family has a special job to do.
Kindness Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day, ask the children to write or draw one kind thing they did for someone and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for helping them be kind and forgiving, the way he has been kind to them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter describes the church as one body made up of many members, each given gifts to serve others and build up the whole community. Paul calls believers to live differently from the world, to speak truth, to work honestly, and to forgive as Christ forgave them. The chapter links these everyday habits to the grace that God has given through Jesus.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God only loves them when they are good, or that forgiveness means they must always trust people who hurt them. Keep the focus on God’s kindness and our response of love, and let children know that they can always talk to a trusted adult when they feel hurt.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for being kind and forgiving to us every day. Help us be kind to our friends and family, and help us tell the truth and use kind words. Help us remember that we are all one family in you. Amen.
