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Compassion

Compassion > Hands-on options > Blanket tag

Blanket tag

Physical activity

Play a game of blanket tag to emphasize the idea that “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

As the parent, you have the task of being “it.” You will need a bath towel or a small blanket – a baby blanket is ideal. Have your children run around and tease you as you try to “catch” them by touching them with the blanket. As soon as you’ve caught a child, wrap the blanket around their head and shoulders like a shawl and give them a hug saying, I forgive you for teasing me, because love covers sin!

Play blanket tag for as long as you wish. When it’s time to catch your breath and wind down, talk about how sad it is that we often forget to show compassion and forgiveness to others, and instead are quick to condemn others – even though we know we have been forgiven by God, and have received His mercy and forgiveness.

Follow-up by role-playing some familiar scenarios from your home to help your kids practice correcting someone else’s behaviour with kindness and gentleness, rather than with harsh condemnation or an accusing tone.

Example scenarios might be when someone:

  • refuses to share a toy
  • speaks rudely
  • insists on having their own way
  • unkindly teases a sibling
  • disobeys parental instructions.

Have your children suggest appropriate and inappropriate ways to correct family members, and act out some of their ideas.

Note: For a related discussion see “condemnation is God’s job” in the Bible stories section of the forgiveness lesson.

Relevant Scripture

Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

James 2:12-13 “So speak and act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

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