This lesson teaches children that God sees our hearts and wants us to do what is right, even when we feel angry or jealous. Use it with children ages 5 to 11. Plan for 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God sees what is inside our hearts, and he helps us choose to do what is good. When we feel angry, we can ask God for help instead of hurting someone.
Memory Verse
Genesis 4:7
If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to cross their arms over their chests, then slowly open them wide as they say “If you do well, it will be lifted up.” Then have them make a fist and shake it gently as they say “You are to rule over sin.” Repeat the motions together three times so the words stick.
The Story: Genesis 4 for Kids
Adam and Eve had two sons. The first son was named Cain, and he grew up to work the ground and grow plants. The second son was named Abel, and he took care of sheep. One day, both brothers brought a gift to God. Cain brought some of his fruit from the ground, and Abel brought the first and best of his lambs.
God was pleased with Abel’s gift, but he was not pleased with Cain’s gift. Cain felt very angry and sad. His face looked down, and his heart felt heavy. God looked at Cain and asked him, “Why are you so angry?” God told Cain that if he did what was right, he would feel better. God warned him that sin was waiting like an animal at the door, but Cain could choose to rule over it.
Instead of listening to God, Cain invited Abel to go out into the field. There, Cain attacked his brother and hurt him badly. Abel died, and the ground was sad about what had happened. Later, God came to Cain and asked, “Where is your brother Abel?” Cain answered with a lie. He said, “I don’t know. Am I supposed to keep track of my brother?”
God knew exactly what Cain had done. Because of this terrible choice, Cain had to leave his home and wander from place to place. Cain was frightened and said, “Anyone who finds me might hurt me.” God promised to protect Cain by putting a special mark on him so that no one would harm him.
Cain went to live in a land called Nod, and he had a family there. Later, God gave Adam and Eve another son named Seth. Seth also had a son named Enosh, and people began to call on the name of the LORD. This shows that even after sadness and wrong choices, God was still at work and still faithful.
Read It Together
Genesis 4:4-5
4 Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. The LORD respected Abel and his offering, 5 but he didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell.
(WEB)
Point out that Abel gave his very best to God, and God was pleased with his gift. Ask the children why it matters that we give God our best effort, not just what is left over. Keep the focus on Abel’s heart and his trust in God.
Genesis 4:6-7
6 The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen? 7 If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God spoke to Cain before anything bad happened. Explain that God gave Cain a chance to choose what was right. Remind them that God still speaks to us today through his Word and through the people who love us.
Genesis 4:9-10
9 The LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?” He said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 The LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground.
(WEB)
Point out that God already knew what had happened, but he still asked Cain a question. This shows that God wants us to be honest with him. Remind the children that nothing we do can be hidden from God.
Talk About It
- What did God say to Cain when he was feeling angry, and what could Cain have chosen to do instead?
- How do you think Abel felt when he brought his gift to God, and why do you think God was happy with it?
- What can you do when you feel angry at someone, so that you do not hurt them?
- Why do you think Cain tried to hide what he had done from God?
- How can you show God that you want to choose what is good every day?
Activity Ideas
Angry Face Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a mirror if you have one. Ask each child to draw two faces, one looking angry and one looking calm and happy. Talk about what they can do to change from the angry face to the happy face, such as taking a deep breath, asking for help, or praying. Let them hang their drawings where they can see them during the week.
Gift Giving Game
Gather a few small objects from around the house, such as a toy, a pencil, and a snack wrapped in a paper towel. Have the children take turns choosing a gift to give to a friend, and ask them to think about how giving their best helps others. Afterward, talk about how Abel gave God his very best gift. Keep the game light and cheerful.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need an index card, a pen, and a rubber band. Help each child write one short sentence on the card, such as “God, help me choose what is right.” Have them keep the card in a pocket or tie it to a pencil with a rubber band so they can see it. Encourage them to read it when they feel angry during the week.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that sin is never a surprise to God, and that he speaks to us before we act. Adults can understand that anger and envy can grow into serious harm if we do not turn to God for help. The chapter also reminds us that God remains faithful to his promises even after painful events, as seen in the birth of Seth and the people beginning to call on God.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always protect them from every bad consequence or that doing right always brings immediate happiness. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and his willingness to help us choose what is good.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for seeing our hearts and for helping us choose what is right. When we feel angry or sad, help us to talk to you and to listen to your voice. Please help us love and care for the people around us, just as you care for us. Amen.
