Love Is Kind and Forgiving
Age Group: 3–10 years
Time Length: 40 minutes
Big Idea: I show love by being kind and forgiving
Bible Verse: “Love is kind.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
This Sunday School lesson for kids teaches children that love is kind and forgiving, based on 1 Corinthians 13:4. In this engaging Bible lesson for children, kids will discover how God’s love shows us how to treat others with kindness, patience, and forgiveness. Through a gentle, kid-friendly Bible story about Joseph forgiving his brothers, children will learn what real love looks like in action.
This Christian lesson for kids includes everything teachers need: a meaningful Bible story, guided discussion questions, a hands-on kindness craft, a simple memory verse with motions, and heartfelt prayer moments. Children will talk about everyday situations at school and home, practice using kind words, and learn how to forgive when feelings are hurt.
Perfect for a children’s church lesson or classroom setting, this faith-based lesson for kids helps children grow in faith, trust God’s love, and learn to show kindness like Jesus every day.
1. Welcome, Opening Prayer & Worship Time (8 minutes)
Teacher Script
“Good morning, friends! I’m so happy to see you today!
Today we are going to learn something very special about love.
Did you know the Bible tells us that love is kind?
That means we show love by how we treat other people.
We are also going to hear a true Bible story about a man named Joseph who chose kindness and forgiveness.
Let’s open our hearts and learn how to love like Jesus!”
Opening Prayer (Repeat After Me)
“Dear God,
Thank You for loving me.
Help me be kind and forgiving.
Teach me to love like Jesus.
Amen.”
Worship Songs (with simple motions)
• “Jesus Loves Me” – hug arms around yourself
• “This Little Light of Mine” – wiggle fingers like shining lights
2. Bible Story (8 minutes)
Story: Love Is Kind – Joseph Forgives His Brothers
(Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4 & Genesis 37–50)
The Bible tells us something very important:
“Love is kind.”
God loves us very much.
God shows us kindness every day.
He gives us food, family, friends, and forgiveness when we make mistakes.
Jesus taught people to love one another.
He helped the sick.
He spoke gentle words.
He forgave people who were mean to Him.
Jesus showed us what kindness looks like.
Kindness is using nice words.
Kindness is helping others.
Kindness is forgiving when someone hurts our feelings.
Now let’s hear a true Bible story about kindness and forgiveness.
Long ago, there was a man named Joseph.
Joseph had many brothers.
His brothers were jealous of him.
They were not kind to Joseph.
They sent him far away.
Joseph felt sad.
Joseph felt hurt.
But God was with Joseph.
Years later, Joseph became a leader in Egypt.
One day, his brothers came to him.
They did not know it was Joseph.
Joseph saw his brothers.
He remembered what they did.
Joseph could have been angry.
Joseph could have been mean.
But Joseph chose kindness.
Joseph chose forgiveness.
He said,
“I forgive you. God helped me, and I still love you.”
Joseph gave them food.
Joseph hugged them.
Joseph helped them.
Joseph showed love.
Joseph showed kindness.
The Bible tells us:
“Love is kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
God wants us to love like Jesus.
God wants us to forgive others too.
When we are kind and forgiving,
we show God’s love to others.
3. Discussion & Application (8 minutes)
Guided Questions with Simple Explanations
What does the Bible say about love?
👉 Love is kind.Who showed kindness in our story?
👉 Joseph showed kindness to his brothers.How did Joseph feel when his brothers were mean?
👉 He felt sad and hurt.What did Joseph choose to do instead of being mean?
👉 He chose to forgive and be kind.Who helps us be kind and forgiving?
👉 God helps us.
“What Would You Do If…?” Scenarios
• What would you do if someone takes your toy?
👉 Use kind words. Ask nicely. Forgive.
• What would you do if a friend says something mean to you?
👉 Don’t say mean things back. Tell an adult. Forgive.
• What would you do if someone needs help?
👉 Help them with kindness.
Gentle Faith Prompts
• “Let’s ask God to help us be kind when it’s hard.”
• “God is always with us when we choose kindness.”
• “We can pray when we feel angry or hurt.”
4. Craft Activity (8 minutes)
🌸 Craft: Kindness Flower
Purpose
To remind kids that love is shown through kind actions.
Materials
• paper circles (printable available 👇)
• Colored paper petals- [AMAZON LINK]
• Glue- [AMAZON LINK]
• Crayons- [AMAZON LINK]
• Scissors- [AMAZON LINK]
• Bug Stickers (optional)- [AMAZON LINK]
Instructions
Give each child a paper circle for the flower center.
Write in the center:
“Love is kind – 1 Corinthians 13:4”Cut out petal shapes from colored paper.
On each petal, write or draw a kind action:
(Share toys, say sorry, help others, forgive)Glue the petals around the circle.
Decorate with crayons or stickers.
5. Memory Verse (With Motions) (6 minutes)
Verse:
“Love is kind.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
Break It Down with Motions
• “Love” – hug yourself
• “is kind” – smile and give thumbs up
• “1 Corinthians 13:4” – open hands like a book
Repeat-After-Me Practice
Teacher: “Love”
Kids: “Love”
Teacher: “is kind”
Kids: “is kind”
Teacher: “1 Corinthians 13:4”
Kids: “1 Corinthians 13:4”
Repeat 3 times.
6. Weekly Challenge (4 minutes)
Kindness Challenge
This week, choose one kind action every day:
• Say something nice
• Help someone
• Forgive someone
• Share a toy
• Pray for a friend
Tell God:
“God, help me show love by being kind.”
7. Closing Prayer (4 minutes)
“Dear God,
Thank You for loving me.
Help me be kind and forgiving.
Help me love like Jesus.
Thank You for always loving me.
Amen.”
8. Final Questions & Review (5 minutes)
What is today’s Big Idea?
👉 I show love by being kind and forgiving.What does the Bible say love is?
👉 Love is kind.Who showed kindness in our Bible story?
👉 Joseph.What did Joseph do instead of being angry?
👉 He forgave his brothers.How can we show love at school or home?
👉 Use kind words, help others, forgive.Who helps us be kind and forgiving?
👉 God helps us.What can you do this week to show kindness?
👉 (Let kids answer.)
Craft For Lesson
🧰 Supplies for Today’s Craft!
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