This lesson teaches children that God forgives our sins, heals us, and loves us with a faithful love that never runs out. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is kind, patient, and loving. He forgives us when we do wrong, and He never stops caring for us, so we can praise Him with our whole heart.
Memory Verse
Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
(WEB)
Stretch both arms out wide to show how far the east is from the west. Then bring your hands together in front of your heart to show that God forgives and forgets our wrongs.
The Story: Psalm 103 for Kids
King David wrote a happy song to God, and he began by talking to himself. He said, “Praise the Lord, my soul! Everything inside me, praise His holy name!” David wanted his whole heart to remember how good God is. Can you think of something good God has done for you?
David remembered that God forgives all our sins. When we do something wrong, God does not stay angry forever. He is slow to get angry and full of kindness. David said God treats us with mercy, not the way we deserve. That is a wonderful gift to remember.
David also thought about how God takes care of His people, like a loving father takes care of his children. A father feels sorry when his children are hurt and wants to help them. God feels that way about those who love and trust Him. He knows we are only dust and that our days are short, like grass in a field.
But David made sure everyone knew that God’s love never ends. It lasts from forever to forever. God is King over the whole world, and His throne is in heaven. David ended the song the same way he began, calling on everything God made to praise Him. Angels, armies, and all creation can join in the praise.
Read It Together
Psalm 103:2-3
2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits; 3 who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases…
(WEB)
Point out the words “don’t forget all his benefits.” Ask the children to name a few of God’s gifts, such as food, family, and forgiveness, and explain that remembering them helps our hearts want to praise Him.
Psalm 103:8-10
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. 9 He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us for our iniquities.
(WEB)
Show the children that God is merciful and gracious and slow to anger. Explain that He does not punish us the way our mistakes deserve, which shows how patient and loving He is.
Psalm 103:13-14
13 Like a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. 14 For he knows how we are made. He remembers that we are dust.
(WEB)
Point out the picture of a father who has compassion on his children. Explain that God understands how we are made and remembers that we are only dust, so He cares for us gently.
Talk About It
- What is one good thing God has given you that you are thankful for?
- How do you feel when someone forgives you after you have done something wrong?
- David said God is like a loving father. What are some ways a good father shows he cares for his children?
- Why do you think God wants us to remember all the good things He does for us?
- Who are some people or creatures in the world that you think could join in praising God, and why?
Activity Ideas
Thankful Heart Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a big heart in the middle and write or draw three things God has given them inside it. Let them decorate the edges with colors and share one item from their heart with the group. Hang the finished pictures on the wall as a reminder of God’s kindness.
East to West Movement Game
Mark one side of the room as “east” and the other side as “west,” using tape or chairs. Call out the words of David’s idea in simple form, such as “God forgives our sins as far as east is from west.” Have the children walk or run to the far side of the room, then back, while they say the memory verse together. This helps them feel how far God removes our wrongs.
Forgiveness Jar at Home
You will need a clear jar, paper, and a pen. Each day this week, have your child write down one thing they are thankful for or one time they felt forgiven, fold it, and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes aloud together and thank God for His loving kindness. This gives the lesson a place to continue at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 103 is a song of gratitude that moves from personal praise to the greatness of God’s mercy. It shows that God’s forgiveness is complete and His love is steady across generations, and it invites every believer to remember His benefits and respond with worship.
With children, avoid suggesting that God’s forgiveness depends on how well a child behaves or that bad things never happen to people who love God. Keep the focus on God’s kindness and faithfulness, and let children know that feeling sad or sorry is a normal part of growing up.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for forgiving us when we do wrong and for loving us every day. Help us remember all the good things You give us, and help our hearts sing Your praise. Thank You that Your love never ends. Amen.
