Teaching Kids to Bring Their Emotions to Jesus
This Bible lesson helps parents, teachers, and churches teach kids to bring their emotions to God. Emotional overwhelm is hard to navigate - even more so when you're young. Big feelings can scare kids and threaten to swallow them whole. That's why I've found it's incredibly helpful when we guide them not only in processing and identifying emotions, but ultimately, in bringing them to Jesus.
May you find space here to pause, reflect, and abide.
BIBLE:
Let’s hear from the Bible. I am going to read a verse from Philippians 4:6-7 (everybody say Philippians 4) This is what Paul writes in his letter to the people of the town called Phillipi:
I don’t worry about anything, but I pray and ask God for everything I need, always giving thanks for what I have. And because I belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all my thoughts and feelings.
Q: What does Paul never do? Why?
(A: worry, he prays instead)
Q: And what does he always do?
(A: always giving thanks)
Q: What will stand guard over feelings?
(A: peace)
God wants to help you to come alive fully. You can pray and ask Him to help you open up your emotions and feelings. Jesus gives you peace that will stand guard and protect your feelings.
Hint: Teach kids positive emotions like peace, joy, and humility by using my Fruit of the Spirit pages.
CHALLENGE:
Your challenge for this week: Notice how you feel, using a "feelings wheel" found online
Like this: act out how you would do this.
MINISTRY / RESPONSE:
I am a firm believer in the value of response activities (not just telling kids about Jesus, but introducing them to Him) - you can read more about the purpose and application of response activities here.
SETTING:
Have kids go into groups of 3-4 + a leader in age groups
Spread out across the room
Play some soaking music
ACTIVATION:
Pray in groups that peace will guard emotions and thoughts
“Dear Jesus,
Thank you for your peace,
And that you are above my emotions.
I trust you more than I trust my feelings!”
In big group, all together share stories
Let’s think about a time when we wanted to express an emotion but then we prayed and asked God to help us instead.
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