Welcome to GrowKids Online! Today wrapping up the “BRAVE” series as we learn a story of David’s mercy!
DISCUSSION : David Spares Saul’s Life
Read : 1 Samuel 24:1-18
- Why did Saul want to harm David?
- Why did David spare Saul’s life?
- How did Saul respond when David spared his life?
- Read Luke 6:36. How has God been merciful to you this week?
- Instead of seeking revenge, what should be your response to someone who has hurt you?
- How can you respond to someone who has wronged you?
- Do you know anyone who needs to be shown compassion?
- How can you show compassion to them?
ACTIVITIES
MEMORY VERSE | VERSE HUNT
INSTRUCTIONS: Write each word of the memory verse on an index card. Hide the cards around the room and encourage the kids to hunt for them. Then, allow them to put the cards in the correct order.
MV: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God” Isaiah 41:10
CREATE | Mercy Ball
INSTRUCTIONS | Grab a small balloon, flour and a funnel. Today we are creating stress balls! Do you know the purpose of a stress ball? You use it to help calm you down. You focus on rolling or squeezing it to get rid of your anger.There are some times when people disappoint us, hurt us, or make us angry, but we can choose to show mercy over anger.
Place the funnel in the top of the balloon, and pour flour into the ballon. Allow the flour to fill the balloon just big enough to be able to squeeze yet leaving extra balloon for room to fill in. Use your stress ball as a reminder that when we get angry, we can focus on attention on something else and show others mercy.
THINK ABOUT IT | DEFINE MERCY
How would you define the word “mercy”?
Mercy is another word for “compassion.” It’s often used to describe letting someone out of punishment or trouble even though it would serve them right. Showing mercy means you are willing to be kind, loving, and to help someone else. . . especially when that person doesn’t really deserve it. There are many ways to show mercy to someone. But sometimes showing mercy or compassion can be hard, especially when someone doesn’t treat us well and needs our forgiveness.
In a journal or on a piece of paper, brainstorm some areas in your own life that you could show mercy to others. Write down names of people in your life and then draw a line and attach an idea of how to show compassion/mercy to them. (Ex. Sister — don’t fight back, Mom — Listen the first time she tells you something…)
PRAYER
Spend a few moments quietly talking to God about what you journaled on. Ask God to reveal what might need to change in your life so you can show mercy to others. Ask God to bring someone to mind who might need a little compassion from you right now.
Dear God,
Thank you for showing me mercy. Would you reveal to me what needs to change in my life so I can show mercy to others? Bring to my mind someone who needs compassion right now and give me the strength to love like you do.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
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