Day 2: God's Gift of Love -- Jesus!
Because GOD IS LOVE, I know He loves me no matter what, and He helps me to love others as I love myself.
Memory verse: We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love.. I John 4:16, Discover God Bible, (NLT).
Key verse: 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
NOTE: This takes a little preparation but the results are worth the effort! Choose a treat you think your kids will enjoy. It doesn't have to be expensive. The point is for your kids to receive something you know they like because you love them. Wrap the treat in a box with gift wrap and a bow. You can wrap a small gift for each child or one gift for all to open. Set the gift so all can see it before asking the first question.
What is the best gift you've ever received? What made it so great? What is the best gift you've ever given someone? Why was it such a great gift?
Referring to the gift wrapped box, say, "I have a gift for you. It's just a small expression of my love for you, but I tried to think of something I thought you would really enjoy."
Do you have any idea what's inside the box I'm giving you? Do you think it's something you should be afraid of? Why or why not?
What is the job of the gift giver?
(Find something you will like or need. Purchase or make the gift - select something that requires my time, my money, my effort and/or usually some kind of sacrifice.)
What is your job as the gift receiver?
(Take the gift - If you don't take it, it never really becomes yours. Open the gift so that you can enjoy what's inside.)
Tell your kids: "I can hold this gift out forever, but until you take it and open it, it does you no good and it's not really yours. SOOO, are you going to receive the gift?"
(Let your kids take it and open it. If there are treats to eat inside, let them munch while you continue the discussion.)
What is God's greatest gift of love?
The Bible tells us about God's greatest gift of love:
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)
In this verse, who is the Gift Giver?
Who is the Gift Receiver?
What is God's Gift?
Why did God give the gift of His one and only Son? (Because He loves us and wants us to be with Him forever.)
Listen to what the Bible says about receiving God's gift:
I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. ~ John 14:6, Discover God Bible (NLT)
Jesus' payment on the cross is the gift.
In the verse above, what does Jesus say happens to those who do not accept the gift? (They can't have a relationship with God.)
Have you accepted Jesus' gift? Do you want to?
NOTE: The 4Keys 4Kids booklet is a simple resource to help kids understand how to accept God's Gift of Love -- Jesus! You can view the 4Keys 4Kids here.
Why does it matter?
God has always loved us, but our sin stands in the way of our relationship with Him. Christ's gift of love was paying for our sin so that we can experience God's love, but He won't force the gift on us. Some people accept it, some don't. God's gift of love is offered to everyone. The only question is: Will he or she accept it or not?
Talk with God and Stay Connected to the Vine!
Thank Him again for His great love for you and the gift He gave you in Jesus. If you haven't received Jesus' gift, you can do it right now! Thank God that nothing can take away His gift.
All Bible Times for God Is Love