Set the gift for today's lesson out for everyone to see.

"We have another gift box today, but this time in order to open it, you must earn it. If you do everything I say immediately and without complaining, you may have the present at the end of our time."

"The first thing you must do to earn the present is to make sure all the lights are turned off in the house, and then come back and sit down quickly and quietly."

NOTE: If you are not in a house, then choose some quick task that the kids can do.

IT'S TIME TO EARN THE PRESENT. "You did a good job of turning out the lights. Now I want you to give me all your money in the house (or where ever you are,) and I want you to pay the electric bill for me."

NOTE: Obviously, they won't be able to pay the entire electric bill. Let them express their frustration with the requirement and then continue.

"This box is wrapped like a gift but if I make you do things to earn it, is it really a gift? Why or why not?"

"I will give you the gift after the end of today's adventure. You don't have to do anything to earn it."

Listen to what the Bible says in Romans 5:8.

Do we have to be perfect before God loves us? (No.)

How do you know? (The Bible says and the Bible is God's True Word.)

Does He love you even when you sin? (Yes!)

He doesn't love the sin, but He loves you no matter what. You cannot earn His love. He loves you no matter what, but you won't feel His love until you accept His gift of love -- Jesus.

Jesus wants us to be free to accept His love and to love Him back. He doesn't give us the gift and then make us pay for it. It is a free gift.

Read the words to the song, "God Loves You So Much" and discover how much He loves you!

God Loves You SO Much!

God loves you SO much,
That He sent His Son to save your soul.
Because He wanted SO much,
For you to be with Him,
Now and forever!!

God loves you, He loves you!
He's crazy about you!
He loves you, He loves you.
He knows all about you.
And He loves you
SOOO much!!!

God loves you SO much,
That he hugs you with His sunlight.
Yes, He loves you SO much.
Can you feel His kisses in the rain?
He watches over you at night when you sleep,
And He can't wait until morning when you wake.
Because He loves to see your smile!

God loves you, He loves you.
He's crazy about you!
He loves you, He loves you.
He knows all about you,
And He loves you!

God loves you, He loves you.
There's nothing you can do to
Make Him STOP -
Loving you.
Yes, God loves you
That much!

God loves you, He loves you!
He's crazy about you!
He loves you, He loves you.
He knows all about you,
And He loves you.
SOOO much!!!

Lyrics By: Katherine Bright

Why does it matter?

Trying to earn God's love cheats you out of the incredible relationship He wants with you.

You don't have to worry about losing God's love. What a great relief!!!

Talk with God and Stay Connected
to the Vine!

Thank God that you don't have to earn His love. Admit that you blow it all the time and that you sin, even if it's just in your thoughts. Thank Him for sending Jesus to pay for your sins so that you can experience His love relationship with Him now and forever.

Open the gift and enjoy!!

All Bible Times for God Is Love

Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four | Day Five

"ABIDE" for God is Love

A	Activity … Family Fun Activities!
B	Bible Times … Exploring God's Word together
I	Influencing Others … how can you make a difference?
D	Drawing/Drama … exploring your creative side!
E	Experience … finding the teachable moments