For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
1 Corinthians is a letter Paul wrote to help God's family love God and each other. In this part, Paul shows how he gives things up so more people can hear about Jesus.
Today's Story
Paul told his friends a little secret about himself. He worked very hard to tell people about Jesus. And he was allowed to ask those people to give him food and a place to stay, the way a worker earns his pay.
But guess what Paul did? Many times he said, “No thank you,” and gave that up. He paid his own way so that no one could say he was only doing it for money. He wanted people to see that the good news about Jesus is a free gift.
“I try to fit in with everyone,” Paul said. “When I am with people who are different from me, I become like them so I can be their friend. I will do almost anything to help even one more person learn how much Jesus loves them.”
Paul said following Jesus is like running a race. “A runner trains hard and keeps her eyes on the finish line,” he said. “I run like that too. I do not give up. I run to win!”
Paul gave up so much, not because he had to, but because he loved people and loved Jesus.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Has anyone ever given up something to help you? How did it make you feel?
- Paul became a friend to all kinds of people. Who is someone different from you that you could be kind to?
- What is one thing you could give up — like the biggest cookie or the first turn — to show someone Jesus' love?