“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Corinthians 6:12
Learning our Different Sins
Memory Verse: Mark 12: 31. The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
What is Envy?
Ages 6-8
Objective:
– Recognize and understand envy as a negative emotion.
– Express gratitude for what you have and appreciate others’ successes.
– Develop empathy, kindness, and sharing.
– Identify triggers for envy and cultivate self-awareness.
– Understand the consequences of envy and create strategies to manage it.
– Cultivate gratitude and contentment, applying biblical principles in real life.
Lesson:
Lesson Title: “The Story of Cain and Abel: A Lesson on Envy.
Read the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4:1-16
A long time ago, there were two brothers named Cain and Abel. They were the sons of Adam and Eve, the first humans created by God.
Cain was a farmer, and Abel was a shepherd. One day, they both decided to offer a sacrifice to God.
Cain brought some of his crops, but Abel got the best of his sheep. When God looked at their offerings, He was pleased with Abel’s sacrifice but not with Cain’s.
Cain became very angry and jealous. He thought, “Why did God like Abel’s offering better than mine?”
The Danger of Envy
Cain’s anger and jealousy grew into envy. He began to resent Abel and felt like he couldn’t measure up.
Envy is like a weed that grows in our hearts. It can make us feel unhappy, angry, and resentful towards others.
A Message for Kids
Like Cain, we might feel envious sometimes. But it’s essential to remember that everyone is unique and special in their way.
Activity:
Discuss the Holy Spirit in the Trinity and how the Holy Spirit guides us to live a Christian life. Discuss the meaning of the Fruit of the Spirit to encourage reflection put it into practice in daily life.
Activity 1: Fruit of the Spirit Hand and Fingerprint Tree
Materials: construction papers, colored markers or pens, glue sticks, watercolor paint
Directions:
1. Trace both hands of the child on a construction paper (their favorite color)
2. Cut out the traced handprint to represent branches of a tree.
3. Cut a strip of brown paper to make the tree trunk.
4. Tear a strip of green paper to make the grass.
5. Glue the trunk, branches, and grass to a construction paper.
6. Write or have the child write each fruit of the Spirit on a different branch and the Scripture Bible reference on the tenth branch (Galatians 5:22-23) as shown in the picture.
7. Use a watercolor paint to make fingerprint fruits on each branch
Activity 2: Fruit (of the Spirit) Salad
Materials: Pick 9 different colorful fruits, small cup or bowl, toothpick, paper or labels, glue stick or tape.
Directions:
1. Spread out 9 cups or bowls
2. Put each fruit in a cup or bowl
3. Write the fruits of Spirit on a small piece of paper as labels.
4. Glue the labels to the toothpick
5. Combine the fruits into a bowl using the name of the fruit of the Spirit.
Extra Activity: Choose an appropriate activity from https://www.teainthewild.com/a-week-of-fruit-of-the-spirit-crafts-and-activities/
Extras:
What is Envy?
Envy is a feeling that can happen when we see someone else having something we want, like a toy, a game, or even attention from someone. For instance, when your friend gets a new toy or your sibling gets more attention from your parents, it’s like feeling a big ouch in your heart.
Why Do We Feel Envy?
Sometimes, we feel envious because we think someone else’s thing is better than ours. Or maybe we feel left out or want to be like them. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel this way sometimes and that everyone experiences it at some point!
What Can We Do About Envy?
Here are some super cool things we can do:
1. Take a deep breath: When we feel envious, take a deep breath in and out. It helps calm our hearts.
2. Be happy for others: Everyone sometimes gets something special. We can be glad for them!
3. Focus on what we have: Consider all the cool things we already have, like our family, friends, or favourite toys!
4. Talk to someone: If we feel envious, talk to a grown-up we trust. They can help us feel better!
Important Reminders
1. Everyone is exceptional: We’re all unique and have our superpowers!
2. We can’t have everything: It’s okay if we can’t have everything we want. But when we focus on what we do have and feel grateful for it, we can find happiness and contentment!
3. Kindness matters: It’s super important to be kind to others, even if we feel envious!
Closing prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, asking for Your guidance and protection. Help us understand the dangers of envy and how it can hurt our relationships with others and You. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we’ve felt envious or resentful towards others. Help us to recognize when envy is creeping into our hearts and to confess it to You. Protect us from the evil one, who seeks to divide us and make us feel envious. Help us to focus on Your love and goodness, rather than comparing ourselves to others. Teach us to be grateful for what we have, and to be content with our circumstances. Help us to see the good in others and to rejoice with those who rejoice. Fill our hearts with kindness and love, Lord. Help us to treat others with compassion and empathy, just as You have treated us. Give us wisdom and discernment to recognize when envy is masquerading as something else. Help us to see things from Your perspective and to respond in a way that honors You. Thank You, Lord, for Your love and guidance. Help us to stay away from envy and to walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
References:
https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-envy