Kindness
Observe how grass or a houseplant withers without water. Discussion point: God promises the wicked will wither away, but God cares for those who are good.
In Psalm 37, the wicked are described as withering plants while the righteous are described as well watered grass that is cared for by God. To illustrate this truth, here are some suggestions:
Spring / summer option
You will need two containers of dirt, grass seed and water. Plant some grass seed in two different containers. Water both containers until the grass comes up. Then stop watering one container while continuing to water the other.
Fall / winter option
You will need two houseplants, one that is well watered and the other one neglected. Find an already withered plant or let a houseplant go without water so that it begins to droop.
These plants become object lessons. Show your children the plants and explain that God will let the wicked wither, but will take care of those who are righteous.
Talk with your children, giving examples that would be applicable to his/her life. In your discussion, contrast wickedness with examples of doing what is right. For example, wickedness would be calling someone a name, teasing, leaving someone out or hurting someone. Kindness would be defending the child who is being picked on, sharing, including all friends in playtime, and considering the feelings of others.
Use the questions provided to enhance learning. The key teaching point is that although it is tempting to be envious of those who seem to be getting away with wrongdoing, God is watching and will care for those who do what is right.
Questions for discussion
- Which plant would you like to be?
- Which plant looks like it has been cared for?
- Do you ever get upset when someone does something wrong?
- Who promises to care for you?
Relevant Scripture
Psalm 37:1-4 “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”
- Acceptance
- Adaptability
- Attentiveness
- Christmas
- Compassion
- Confidence
- Consideration
- Contentedness
- Cooperation
- Courage
- Courtesy
- Discernment
- Easter
- Faithfulness
- Forgiveness
- Generosity
- Gentleness
- Gratitude
- Harmony
- Honesty
- Humility
- Joy
- Kindness
- Obedience
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Reverence
- Righteousness
- Self-control
- Thanksgiving
