In this lesson, children learn that God accepts people who love him, even when they do things differently, so we should be kind rather than judging one another. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God welcomes everyone who loves him, so we should be kind and never try to make our friends feel bad for being different.
Memory Verse
Romans 14:19
So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, then slowly bring them together in the middle, like two friends meeting. Say the verse while you move, and do the motion each time you say the word “peace.”
The Story: Romans 14 for Kids
Long ago, the early Christians lived in a big city called Rome. Some of them grew up with a special rule about which foods they could eat, and some did not follow that rule anymore. Friends began to argue about who was doing it right. Some even looked down on others because they ate differently or kept different days special.
The apostle Paul heard about this and wrote a letter to remind them of something important. He told them that each person belongs to the Lord, and the Lord is the one who decides how each servant should live. So nobody should be the judge over someone else. Paul said, “Let’s stop judging each other.” That was a simple way to say, “Stop being unkind.”
Paul also explained that no one lives or dies just for himself. When we live, we live for Jesus. When we die, we belong to Jesus too. Jesus died and rose again so that he could be the Lord of everyone, both those who have died and those who are still alive.
Paul did not want anyone to make a brother or sister stumble. He wanted them to choose kindness over arguing. He wrote that God’s kingdom is not about what we eat or drink, but about doing what is right, living in peace, and feeling joy because of the Holy Spirit. When people love each other this way, God is pleased.
So the early Christians were asked to work for peace and to build each other up, not to tear each other down. Paul wanted every family of believers to remember that they all belonged to the same God.
Read It Together
Romans 14:4
Who are you who judge another’s servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand.
(WEB)
Point out that God is the one who helps each person stand. Ask the children who they think is in charge of making our friends strong, and help them see that God takes care of his servants, not us.
Romans 14:13
Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling.
(WEB)
Explain that “stumbling block” means something that trips someone up. Show the children how we can help a friend by choosing words and actions that help them keep going, instead of making them fall.
Romans 14:17
For God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
(WEB)
Talk about the three gifts in this verse: righteousness, peace, and joy. Ask the children to name one way they can show peace or joy at school or at home this week.
Talk About It
- What is one way you feel happy when a friend is kind to you?
- Why do you think God wants us to stop judging the people around us?
- What does it mean to help someone stand instead of making them fall?
- Can you think of a time someone was different from you, and how did you treat them?
- What can you do this week to help your family or class feel peaceful?
Activity Ideas
Hand Print Friends
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace one hand on the paper, then decorate each finger differently to show that every person looks and thinks differently. Write “Welcome” across the middle. Talk about how all the different fingers together make one whole hand, just as God’s family does.
Peace Bridge Game
Set two chairs across from each other about two steps apart. Have children stand in two lines behind them. One child at a time tries to walk across the “bridge” holding a folded paper heart, while the others cheer. Pause to ask: how does encouragement help someone make it across? Keep the game gentle and everyone winning.
Take-Home Encouragement Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a marker. Each child writes or draws one kind thing they will do for a family member this week, such as sharing a toy or saying a kind word. Tape the card to the fridge or a bedroom door so the family can see it. Remind the children to check on their card at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is about the danger of judging others over matters that are not essential to the faith. Paul’s main point is that God is the Lord of each believer, so unity and love should take priority over disputes about personal convictions. The passage calls the church to honor one another and to build up the body of Christ rather than focusing on who is more correct.
With children, avoid making the lesson about specific food or holy day rules, since those details are rooted in a first-century setting that may confuse young learners. Instead, keep the focus on kindness, peace, and not hurting others. Avoid implying that children should judge each other’s families or faith practices, and instead emphasize God’s care for each person.
A Prayer to Close
Lord Jesus, thank you for welcoming everyone who loves you. Help us be kind to our friends and family, even when they are different from us. Show us how to choose peace and build each other up. Please help us remember that you are the one who takes care of all of us. Amen.
