In this Galatians 6 lesson for kids, children learn that God wants us to help carry each other’s burdens and to keep doing good even when it feels tiring. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Friends in God’s family help each other with hard things, and we keep doing good even when we feel tired of it. Doing kind things for others pleases God.
Memory Verse
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
(WEB)
Ask the children to hold their arms out together as if carrying a heavy box, then pass an imaginary box from one child to the next. As they pass it, have them say “Bear one another’s burdens” out loud. Repeat the motion three times until the words feel familiar.
The Story: Galatians 6 for Kids
The apostle Paul wrote a letter to friends in a region called Galatia. He wanted them to know how to live as followers of Jesus. Some of the people had started to listen to teachers who did not tell the truth about Jesus, and Paul wanted to set them straight.
Paul told the friends that if someone in their group made a mistake, they should help that person come back to what is right. He said they should be gentle about it. He reminded them to look at their own hearts too, because anyone can be tempted to do wrong. You might say to the children, “Paul said, ‘Be gentle, and remember you can make mistakes too.'”
Paul also said that everyone has to carry some of their own load, and that helping one another is a good way to show love. He told them not to get tired of doing good, because good things grow over time. He compared it to planting seeds. A farmer plants a seed and waits, and later the plant grows. Paul said that if we keep doing good, we will see good results in time.
At the end of his letter, Paul said he carried marks on his body from following Jesus. He wanted his friends to know that his faith was real and his life belonged to Jesus. He ended by wishing them God’s grace and peace.
Read It Together
Galatians 6:9
Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up.
(WEB)
Point out the phrase “let us not be weary in doing good.” Ask the children what it feels like to be tired of helping, and remind them that God sees even small kind acts. Let them share a time they kept trying at something good.
Galatians 6:6-7
6 But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches. 7 Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
(WEB)
Show the children how Paul talks about sowing and reaping, which is like planting seeds and later getting a harvest. Explain that the good things we do for others grow in ways we may not see right away. Give a simple example, such as sharing a toy and later having a friend share with you.
Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
(WEB)
Point out the words “as we have opportunity” and “toward all men.” Help the children notice that they can do good every day, at school, at home, and at church. Ask them to name one person they could help this week.
Talk About It
- What is one way you could help a friend who is carrying a heavy load?
- How did Paul say we should help someone who makes a mistake?
- Why do you think it can be hard to keep doing good things for a long time?
- What did Paul say happens when we keep doing good and do not give up?
- Who is someone in your family or church you could help this week?
Activity Ideas
Seed Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a few dried beans or seeds. Have each child draw a small brown pot with a seed in it, then draw a tall plant with flowers growing above it. Talk about how good actions grow slowly, like seeds, and encourage the children to name one good thing they will plant this week.
Carry the Load Relay
You will need a few light items such as blocks, soft balls, or folded towels, and a space where children can run. Divide the children into two teams and have them pass one item at a time to the next person in line, carrying it together when the load is heavy. After the game, ask how it felt to share the work and remind them that Bear one another’s burdens is about helping each other.
Good Deed Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper strips, and a pen. Ask the family to write one kind thing they did for someone each day and drop the strip into the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for the ways you helped others. This helps children see how small good deeds add up over time.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Galatians 6 teaches that the church is a community where people look out for one another, gently restore those who fall, and share what they have with those who teach them. It also reminds believers that each person is accountable for their own life before God, and that steady faithfulness in doing good matters even when no one is watching.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that doing good earns God’s love, because Paul is writing about the response of a grateful heart to the grace already given. Keep the focus on helping one another as a loving response to God, not as a way to be good enough for Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for our friends and family who help us when we are tired or sad. Help us to be gentle when someone makes a mistake, and help us keep doing good even when it feels hard. Thank You that You see every kind thing we do. Amen.
