Show Kids How to Love Others
Certainly, one of my favorite things about running errands is watching my kids engage complete strangers with their infectious smiles and love for people . They have unyielding determination that can win over the most grumpy of dispositions. They love their neighbors without hindrance.
Love Your Neighbor As Yourself:
In fact, one day it was nearly 100 degrees so we were cruising with all the windows down. As we approached a stoplight my son began to observe the homeless people standing on the corner. He began to shout “hi” out the window in his loudest voice, or so I thought. When he did not receive acknowledgement he exclaimed “hi”, again and again. Still nothing. Then at the very tippy top of his lungs he yells “hi people!” As I am shushing him something miraculous happens. Both of the people crack, and huge smiles engulf their faces. There at the never changing light we all began to chuckle and the day instantly felt brighter. And it was my son who brought us to that point.
Of course,during this encounter I was reminded how naturally loving others comes to children. It is something that ought to be encouraged, especially in these formative years. Seeing my son love his neighbor without condition warmed my heart and inspired this lesson on serving others. A lesson for kids to practice loving others as themselves.
Share the following with your child:
Theme Verse:
Mark 12:31 “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself Theme Song:
Items Needed for the Craft:
- Gift Boxes of Bags
- Stickers
- Markers
- Paper Squares or Strips with the following Acts of Love on Them:
- Make Cookies for a Neighbor
- Give a Water Bottle to a Homeless Person
- Make a Thank You Card for Your Sunday School Teacher
- Buy a check out clerk their favorite coffee and give it to them
- Give Clothes/Toys Away to a Younger Friend
- Wash Dad or Mom’s Car Windows
- Draw Pictures for the Pastors at Your Church
- Pick Up Trash Around the Local Playground
- Read a Book to a Younger Friend
- Help Make a Meal for Someone who is Sick
Children’s Bible:
Furthermore, a Word on Bibles, we have quite a few versions of the Bible, these are our favorites for very young kids all the way to middle school aged kids. Of course God’s word can be accessible at any age but having a version with language that children can understand is vital to their comprehension and spiritual growth:
9 and up : The Action Bible
Ages 5-8 years old: The Jesus Storybook Bible
Ages 1-4 years: The Toddler’s Bible
Loving Others Bible Story: The Good Samaritan
Craft: Love Your Neighbor Decorative Boxes
Lastly, challenge your kids to practice acts of love with these boxes and draw slips. Simply decorate the boxes, draw an act of love from the box and carry it out with a neighbor, teacher, friend, family member or safe stranger (such as a check out clerk at the local grocery store, or the mailman.)
-Patience
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