This lesson teaches children that God wants them to love and care for other people, especially those who are new, lonely, or in need, because Jesus loves them too. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God wants us to show kindness and love to everyone, the way Jesus shows love to us. We can help others because God is always with us and always helps us.
Memory Verse
Hebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and put their arms out wide, then wrap them around themselves in a big hug. Say the verse together while hugging yourself, and explain that brotherly love is like a hug that keeps going and never stops.
The Story: Hebrews 13 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named Hebrews wrote a letter to friends who followed Jesus. He wanted them to remember how to live as good friends to one another. He told them that loving each other should never stop.
He asked them to open their homes to travelers who had nowhere to stay. He reminded them that some of those visitors might be special in ways they did not even know. Then he asked them to remember people who were in prison and people who were hurting, as if they were in those places too.
The letter also talked about how God takes care of His people. Hebrews wrote that God says, “I will never leave you.” So the friends could be brave, because the Lord is their helper. They did not need to be afraid of what people could do to them.
Hebrews told the friends to remember their leaders and to follow the good example of their faith. He reminded them that Jesus Christ is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus never changes, and His love never changes either.
Last of all, Hebrews asked his friends to pray for him. He wanted to visit them again soon. He ended the letter with a blessing, asking God to help them do good things that please Him.
Read It Together
Hebrews 13:2
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
(WEB)
Point out that the verse talks about welcoming strangers. Ask children to think of someone new at church or school and how they could make that person feel at home.
Hebrews 13:5-6
5 Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.” 6 So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
(WEB)
Show children the words about God never leaving us. Explain that when we feel scared or alone, we can remember that the Lord is our helper and is always with us.
Hebrews 13:16
But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
(WEB)
Point out that doing good and sharing with others pleases God. Talk about small ways children can share toys, time, or kind words with the people around them.
Talk About It
- Who is someone new you could welcome into your group, and what could you say to make them feel happy?
- How does it feel when someone shares something with you, and how can you share with others?
- What is one way you can help someone who is sad or sick this week?
- Why do you think God wants us to be kind even when it is hard?
- How can you remember that God is always with you when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Welcome Card Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and glue sticks. Have each child fold a sheet of paper in half and draw a picture of something they enjoy. On the inside, they write or draw a short welcome message. Children can give these cards to a new friend, a visitor, or a family member who needs encouragement.
Hug and Share Game
You will need a small object such as a stuffed animal or a soft ball. Children sit in a circle and pass the object while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the object names one way they can show kindness and gets a pretend hug from the group. Keep the game lively and kind.
Take-Home Kindness Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pencil. Each day this week, children write one kind thing they did for someone on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. On Sunday, read a few of the notes together and thank God for helping them love others. This helps families talk about kindness at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a set of practical instructions for Christian living. It calls believers to brotherly love, generous hospitality, care for the suffering, faithful marriage, contentment, honoring leaders, and a life of praise and good deeds. Its foundation is the unchanging character of Jesus Christ, who gives steady grace when daily obligations feel heavy.
Avoid overstating to children that doing good always brings rewards or makes life easy. Children may think that being kind means nothing bad will happen to them. Instead, emphasize that God is faithful and near, and that He helps us love others even when it is difficult.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us every day and never changing. Help us to show kindness to new friends, to people who are sad, and to everyone around us. Remind us that You are always with us and always help us. We love You. Amen.
