Leader Guide

Bible Activity

Bibles — to make the activity fair for all children, do not use tabbed Bibles or electronic devices unless all the children have them.
Sticky notes, whiteboard and marker, or chalkboard and chalk
Pencils—one per pair of children
Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with a second hand, or timer app

Make sure there is a clear path between the children and the whiteboard.

If you would prefer not to use sticky notes, have children raise their hands to answer.

A Friend to All: Race to find verses about being a friend to sinners and everyone!

Have the children sit in pairs. Try to pair an experienced Bible user with a child who isn’t as familiar with the Bible. Give each pair a Bible. The experienced Bible user can quickly look up the verse while the other player writes the answer on a sticky note. The notes are then stuck to the board. If both players are experienced Bible users, the players can alternate looking up a verse and writing down the answer. Have children close their Bibles before you announce the next verse.

Note: the suggested answers are from the New Living Translation. If children are using different translations, their answers will vary.

I will say a Bible reference in the New Testament and then write the verse reference on the board. At this point, you may begin to find the verse and I will read a fill-in-the-blank question as you look. I will read the question one more time and again if needed. The player who is not looking up the verse will write the answer or answers on a sticky note and then walk quickly to stick it on the board. You have 30 seconds to do that. The first team scores 10 points for the correct answer; all other teams score 5 points for the correct answer stuck to the board within the time limit. Every pair will have a chance to finish, so don’t give up! The team with the most points wins. Are you ready to learn about being a good friend?

Allow spelling errors because of the fast pace of the game. Do as many verses as time allows. Be prepared to help any children with special needs.

1. John 15:12: Jesus tells us to love others in the _____ way as He loves us. (Same.)

This is My commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

2. Luke 6:36: Jesus said that we must be ______ as our heavenly Father is compassionate. (Compassionate.)

You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

3. 1 Corinthians 9:22: We should look for _____ ground with everyone. (Common.)

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

4. Romans 15:7: We are to _____one another as Christ has accepted us. (Accept.)

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

5. Ephesians 4:32: Be ____ and __________ to one another. (Kind, tenderhearted.)

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

6. Romans 12:16: We should live in _____ with each other and not be too _____ to enjoy the company of others. (Harmony, proud.)

Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

7. 1 Peter 3:15: We should always be ready to share our _____ as a believer when someone asks. (Hope.)

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

8. Luke 6:37: Jesus said that we must not _____ or _____ others; instead we should _____ them. (Judge, condemn, forgive.)

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”

9. Luke 6:27: Jesus tells us to love our _____ and do _____ to those who hate us. (Enemies, good.)

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.”

10. Romans 12:20: If our enemies are _____, we should _____ them. (Hungry, feed.)

Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”