Big Love
WELCOME TO WEEK 4
This month we’ve learned about the 10 commandments and how we are to love God and love people. This week we will finish the 10 commandments and see how we can love the people around us through out obedience to God. God wants us to live in harmony with others and He shows us how.
BIBLE STORY
What are some laws that you have at your house and in your community? If you did not obey those laws, what would happen? We know that laws and rules exist for a reason, they are there to keep people safe. We may not always like the laws, but we know they are for everyone’s safety. Listen to the following laws or rules and tell what would happen if they were broken.
Running a red stop light.
Stealing from a neighbor.
Disobeying your parents rule to never swim alone
Not extinguishing a campfire during a dry season
Playing in the middle of the street
Not wearing a safety helmet while riding a bike
Not staying seated during an amusement park ride
Being cruel to animals
Not slowing down driving through a pedestrian walkway
Not slowing down and pulling over when an ambulance has on its sirens
God has given us these commandments not to keep us from having things, but to show us the best way to live. When we obey God and keep his commandments, we are living in a way that God knows is best. We can not only worship God our creator through our obedience, but we can also love the people around us. God’s laws are meant to bring us closer to Him and closer to those around us. Let’s read the last 3 commandments to see how God wants us to love others.
Read or listen to the Bible scripture Exodus 20:15-17
What is the next commandment? (Do not steal)
Why should we not steal from others?
What is the 9th commandment? (Do not give false witness against your neighbor)
Why should we not speak false things about others?
What is the 10th commandment? (Do not covet your neighbors things)
Why should we not covet?
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
Keeping the 10 commandments can be challenging and we may not always know what to do. Then other times we may not even realize we are keeping them, because we are simply loving God and others. Listen to the following scenarios and decide which of the 10 commandments are being followed.
Materials: printed scenarios
Alternate
Sometimes we may be tempted to covet someone else’s things when we are not focused on the blessings we currently have. When we take inventory of our own blessings we may become less focused on what others have that we may think we need as well. Make a list of the blessings you have in your life that God has provided for you. Then pray a prayer of thanksgiving, thanking God for giving you all that you have.
Materials: sheet of paper, pencil
Independent activity:
Create goodie bags that you can share with members of your local church, school or neighbors. Think of a few items you can add to the goodie bags such as treats to eat, teabags, and cookies. Add a note that expresses you care and are thinking of them. Make as many goodie bags as you would like to distribute.
Materials: good bags, various treats such as teabags, cookies, a note, etc.
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons or other coloring utensils
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
What are some ways we steal from others?
How does stealing hurt others?
How does stealing hurt the thief?
When do we give a false witness against others?
When we give a false witness against someone else, how does that make others see us?
What are some things you may covet from others?
How can we keep from coveting others’ things?
What is the opposite behavior for stealing, giving a false witness and coveting?
How can you show others those things this week?
Practical Application at Home
The last few commandments list the things we should not do. They say Do not murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness, and do not covet your neighbor. God does not want us to do those things, but instead treat others in the direct opposite. Think of what the opposite of murder would be. Instead of taking life away, we give someone life. How could you give life to someone or bring joy to their day? Those are the things we should focus on doing for the people around us.
Think of the following commandments and then decide what the direct opposite of that would be. Then think of ways you can live it out with people around you this week. There are a few examples listed, but come up with some of your own as well. Then decide which things you will try to do for people in your life this week.
Do not murder….Give Life…bless your neighbor by bringing up their trash cans
Do not commit adultery…show your loved ones you care…leave notes sharing how much you love your family members
Do not steal…Give…bless a stranger by giving them a $5 gift card to buy a smoothie
Do not bear false witness…share words of affirmation…share a true story about how someone did something wonderful for you.
Do not covet your neighbor…count your blessings…share your blessings or gifts with someone who may not have as much.
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Enjoy the cool weather and take a nature walk. Observe the things God created and how they work together in His plan. What part do each of us play in God’s plan for us?