This lesson teaches children that God welcomes everyone, and that we should welcome each other too. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus welcomed us, so we welcome others. God’s family has room for everybody, and we can build each other up with kind words and kind actions.
Memory Verse
Romans 15:7
Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God.
(WEB)
Have the children cross their arms over their chest and then open them wide, like a hug. Say “accept one another” as you open your arms, and let them copy the motion together.
The Story: Romans 15 for Kids
The apostle Paul was writing a letter to the friends in the city of Rome. Some of these friends were Jewish, and some were not. Paul wanted everyone to get along, even when they were different from each other. He told the strong friends to be patient with the weak friends and to help them, instead of doing only what they wanted.
Paul reminded them that Jesus did not live to please himself. Jesus helped people who were hurting, even when it cost him a lot. Paul said that the things written long ago in God’s Word were written so we could learn and find hope. God gives us patience and encouragement, and he helps us think kindly toward one another.
Paul wanted the friends in Rome to know that God’s love was for everyone. Long ago, God had promised that people from every nation would praise him. Paul was excited to tell people across many lands about Jesus, because the Good News was for them too. Paul even said he hoped to visit the friends in Rome one day.
Paul also told them that some people in Jerusalem were poor. The churches in Macedonia and Achaia wanted to share their money to help those friends. Paul said that the people who had received spiritual gifts should help with everyday needs too. Paul asked the friends to pray for him, and he ended with a wish: “Now the God of peace be with you all.”
Read It Together
Romans 15:1-2
1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul says the strong should help the weak and not just please themselves. Ask children what it looks like to help a friend who is struggling, like sharing a toy or waiting patiently during a game.
Romans 15:5-6
5 Now the God of perseverance and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus, 6 that with one accord you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
Show children that God gives patience and encouragement, and that we can get along with each other because of him. Talk about how we can praise God together as one family, even when we sing different songs or pray in different ways.
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
(WEB)
Point out that God is the God of hope, and he fills us with joy and peace when we trust him. Explain that hope means looking forward to good things God is going to do, and that joy and peace can grow in our hearts.
Talk About It
- What is one way Jesus showed that he cared about other people?
- Who is someone who sometimes feels left out, and how could we make them feel welcome?
- What is a time when you helped a friend even though you did not feel like it?
- Why do you think God wants everyone in his family, no matter where they come from?
- What is one thing you can do this week to show kindness to someone new?
Activity Ideas
Hands of Welcome Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace one hand on the paper and cut it out. On each finger, have them write or draw someone they want to welcome, like a family member, a neighbor, or a classmate. Display the hands on the wall as a reminder that God’s family has room for everyone.
Pass the Welcome Game
You will need a soft ball or a beanbag. Have the children stand in a circle. As they pass the ball, the person receiving it says a kind word or a name of someone they want to welcome. Play a few rounds, and then let the children cheer for each other as they finish.
Take-Home Kindness Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pencil. Give each child a jar and a few slips of paper. Ask them to write one kind thing they did for someone at home or school each week. Read the notes together at the end of the month and thank God for the ways his love shows up through each child.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the church is meant to be a community where strong and weak, Jew and Gentile, and people of many backgrounds accept one another as Christ accepted them. Paul grounds this unity in the example of Jesus, the promises God made to the fathers, and the hope that comes from the Scriptures. Adults can see the call to build others up rather than seeking our own pleasure.
When teaching children, avoid overstating how their own kindness earns God’s love. The lesson is that God first welcomed us, and our kindness is a response to his grace. Be careful not to suggest that every problem between friends will be solved just by being nice, since Paul’s letter also deals with real conflict and hard conversations.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for welcoming us into your family. Help us to be patient and kind to our friends, just as Jesus was kind to us. Fill our hearts with your joy and peace, so we can share them with everyone we meet. Amen.
