Activity Bible Time Influence Others Drawing/Dramatization Experience

Part 3: You Can't Earn God's Love!

Because GOD IS LOVE, I know He loves me no matter what, and He helps me to love others as I love myself.

(NOTE: Before you gather the kids, prepare a yummy snack and wrap it in a gift box with a bow. This sounds similar to Part 2: God's Gift of Love -- Jesus, but the gift in this Family Adventure is used to illustrate a different aspect of God's Love.)

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

(NOTE: The quotes below are suggestions for how to present the gift box. Feel free to use your own words!!!)

"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 other quick task that the kids can do.)

light bulbWhen everyone is seated again: "You did a good job of turning out the lights. Now I want you to give me all your money in the house (or wherever 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.)

"The first thing you were asked to do you might be able to do, but the second you cannot do. There's no way you could earn this gift if you had to pay the electric bill because you don't make that much money... even with an allowance!"

"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?"

"This is a real gift. You don't have to do anything to earn it. After we're done you can open it and see what's inside!"

The Bible says:

God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ~Romans 5:8, Discover God Bible (NLT)

Do we have to be perfect before God loves us? How do you know?

Does He love you even when you sin?

God doesn't love the sin, but He loves you no matter what. You don't have to earn His love, but there is something you have to do if you want to have a relationship with Him and feel His love. What is it?

The Bible says:

God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16, Discover God Bible (NLT)

Who does God love?

His love isn't limited like ours. He loves everyone and wants a relationship with everyone. His love doesn't look at the color of a person's skin, where they live, how popular they are, or how rich they are.

God loves everyone, whether they love Him or not. God's love is huge!



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!

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.

"Now open the gift and enjoy!!!"

"ABIDE" for God is Love
Memory Verse Table Talk
AActivity … Family Fun Activities!
BBible Times … Exploring God's Word together
IInfluencing Others … how can you make a difference?
DDrawing/Drama … exploring your creative side!
EExperience … finding the teachable moments
Search