This lesson teaches children that God gives us peace with Him because Jesus loved us first, even when we did wrong. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. Use it on a Sunday morning or during a family devotion.
Big Idea
God loved us so much that Jesus died for us while we were still doing wrong. Because of Jesus, we can have peace with God and never have to earn His love.
Memory Verse
Romans 5:8
But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(WEB)
Put both hands on your heart, then spread your arms wide like you are giving someone a big hug. Do this every time you say the verse together, so the arms remind the children that God’s love is big.
The Story: Romans 5 for Kids
The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the people in the city of Rome. He wanted them to know something wonderful about God. Paul said that God is at peace with us because of what Jesus did. Friends, that is good news we can share with everyone.
Paul explained that people had all done wrong things. Sin had come into the world through one man, Adam, and it spread to everyone. But Paul wanted the Romans to see that God did not leave us alone in our mistakes. God had a better plan that was full of love.
Paul said that Jesus died for us at just the right time. He did not wait for us to be good first. While we were still doing wrong, Jesus gave His life for us. Paul told the people, “God shows His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Think about how surprising that is.
Paul also talked about hard times. He said that when things are difficult, we can keep going, and God will help us grow stronger. He said that our hope in God does not let us down. Hope is like a light that keeps shining even on dark nights.
Finally, Paul told them that grace is bigger than sin. Where sin grew big, God’s grace grew even bigger. Paul said that God’s gift is much greater than any wrong we have ever done. Because of Jesus, we can live with God forever.
Read It Together
Romans 5:1
Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…
(WEB)
Point out the word “peace.” Ask the children what peace feels like at home or at school. Explain that because Jesus made things right between us and God, we can have that peace with Him every day.
Romans 5:5
And hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
(WEB)
Show the children how God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Ask them to think of a time they felt loved by someone close to them. Tell them God’s love is like that, but even bigger.
Romans 5:20-21
20 The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly; 21 that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(WEB)
Point out that grace grows bigger than sin. Ask the children to name a time someone forgave them. Remind them that God’s grace is always ready to forgive and that Jesus is our King who gives us eternal life.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus do for us while we were still doing wrong things?
- How does it make you feel to know God loves you even when you make mistakes?
- What is one way you can show someone else God’s kind of love this week?
- Why do you think peace with God is something we can always count on?
- What is something hard you have gone through that God helped you keep going through?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Heart of Peace
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a large heart on the paper and cut it out. Ask them to draw or write one thing that makes them feel peaceful inside the heart. Hang the hearts in the classroom or at home as a reminder of God’s peace.
Grace Bridge Game
You will need two chairs, a blanket, and a few soft toys. Set up the chairs about two feet apart and drape the blanket over them to make a bridge. Have the children take turns walking across the bridge carrying a toy, saying “Jesus made a way for us.” This shows how Jesus built a path for us to come close to God.
Peace Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write “Romans 5:1” on the card and draw a small dove or sun on the other side. Explain that the card is a reminder that God gives us peace. Encourage them to keep it in a pocket, backpack, or on the bedside table to look at during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Romans 5 teaches that because we are made right with God through faith in Jesus, we have peace with Him and a secure hope. God’s love was shown in Christ’s death for sinners, not in our own goodness. This means our relationship with God rests on what Jesus has done, not on our performance.
Avoid overstating the idea of suffering to children. Paul speaks about hardship producing perseverance and character, but young children may hear this as God sending them pain. Instead, focus on the truth that God is with them in hard times and helps them grow.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us even when we get things wrong. Thank You for sending Jesus to bring us peace with You. Help us remember that Your love is bigger than our mistakes. Help us share Your peace with our friends and family. Amen.
