This lesson teaches children that God saved us because of his kindness and mercy, not because we were good enough. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is kind to us even when we do not deserve it, and his kindness makes us new. We can show that same kindness to the people around us every day.
Memory Verse
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit…
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them like a flower blooming. Each time they open their hands, they say “Not by what we do, but by his mercy,” which helps them remember that God saves us by his mercy.
The Story: Titus 3 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to his friend Titus, who was a leader in a city on an island called Crete. Paul wanted Titus to remind the people in the church to be good citizens. He wanted them to obey the leaders in their land and to be ready to do good work for others. Paul also told them to be gentle and kind to everyone they met.
Then Paul reminded them of something important. He said that before they knew Jesus, they had been foolish and disobedient. They had been fooled by bad desires and had often been unkind to one another. Paul did not say this to make them feel bad. He said it so they would remember how much they needed help.
But then something wonderful happened. God showed his kindness and his love to the world. He did not save people because they had done great things. He saved them because of his mercy. Through Jesus, God washed them clean and made them new by the power of his Holy Spirit.
Paul told his friends that because God had been so kind to them, they should keep doing good things. He said these good works are good for people and help everyone. Paul asked Titus to teach these truths carefully so that the people would know how to live as God’s loved children.
Read It Together
Titus 3:1
Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work…
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asked the people to be ready to do good. Ask children what good things they can do at home or at school this week, such as helping with a chore or sharing a toy.
Titus 3:4
But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared…
(WEB)
Show children the word “kindness” and explain that God’s kindness came to us first. Remind them that God is the one who is always kind to us, even when we forget to be kind to others.
Titus 3:14
Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.
(WEB)
Explain that doing good works means helping people and loving them. Help children see that these kind actions are not just nice ideas but real ways to make the world better.
Talk About It
- What is one kind thing someone has done for you that made you feel happy?
- Why do you think God saves us, even though we do not always do the right thing?
- What are some ways we can show kindness to people who are hard to be nice to?
- How do you think it feels to know that God loves you no matter what?
- What good work could you do this week to help someone in your family or class?
Activity Ideas
Kindness Flower Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a flower with five petals and write one kind action on each petal, such as “help a friend” or “say thank you.” Remind them that God’s kindness helps us grow, just like flowers grow when the sun shines on them.
Mercy Pass Game
You will need a soft ball or a balloon and a small group of children. Have the children stand in a circle and pass the ball around while saying something kind about the person next to them. Explain that just as they pass the ball gently, God passes his kindness to us freely and gently.
Kindness Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask the family to write down acts of kindness they see or do each day and place the slips in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for his kindness that helps us be kind to others.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage teaches that salvation is a gift of God’s mercy and not a reward for good behavior. Good works are the natural response to being saved, and they show the world what God’s love looks like in daily life. Paul also warns against pointless arguments and divisions, so the church should focus on what is good and helpful for people.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that they must earn God’s love through good behavior. Make it clear that God loves them already and that their kindness is a joyful response, not a way to win his approval.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for being so kind to us, even when we are not kind to others. Thank you for washing us clean and making us new through Jesus. Help us to show your kindness to our families, our friends, and everyone we meet. Amen.
