Brainstorming

Have children look up James 2:14-17. Divide the passage between four older children to read aloud to the class.

¹⁴What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? ¹⁵Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, ¹⁶and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? ¹⁷So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Our love for God should create a desire to share His love and help others in a practical way. This is what our SuperTruth is talking about—Active Faith! Practical, active faith produces good deeds, like helping others. What is more effective—telling people that God loves them, or telling them and offering them a cold drink of water when they are thirsty?

Why do you think that?

Yes, love with action sends a powerful message to others!

Let’s bring our SuperTruth to life with an activity. Who can say our SuperTruth by heart? “I will help others and show them God’s love.”

I will read different, practical, everyday scenarios or situations that we may face at school, home, on the playground, or even at church. I will then ask for your ideas on how you might be able to help this person and show God’s love. Now, there won’t be just one correct answer, so don’t be afraid to share your ideas! God has given us all different gifts to help one another, and we won’t always respond the same way—that’s good!

Read each scenario below and ask children to “brainstorm” ways they could help.

Ready?

• Your little sister just spilled her drink on the table and floor. Your mom is busy cooking and cleaning.
• New children are visiting your Sunday School class, and you notice that they are very nervous and quiet while everyone else in the class is talking and having fun.
• A new child at school does not know anyone and doesn’t know where to sit in the lunch room.
• The older lady next door is struggling to rake the leaves in her yard.
• You see a child being bullied on the playground at school.
• The child sitting next to you at school breaks a pencil during class.
• You find out that a classmate’s pet died over the weekend. You notice the child has been crying at times during the school day.
• Your younger sister or brother is scared about something during the night while your parents are asleep.
• A substitute teacher is having difficulty finding needed supplies for an activity in the classroom.
• Your brother or sister tried out for a sport at school and did not make the team.

Add or substitute scenarios that would apply to your class as time permits. Be sure to remind children to always get permission from a parent or supervising adult before assisting an adult or stranger alone.

You thought of some wonderful ways to help others and show them God’s love! Continue to make yourself available to God, and ask Him to lead you to others who need His love and help. Remember, God has given each of us a unique gift to share!