For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
1 Timothy is a letter. A man named Paul wrote it to his young friend Timothy to help him lead God's family with love.
Today's Story
Paul loved Timothy like his very own son. Timothy was young, but Paul trusted him to help take care of a whole church family. So Paul sat down and wrote him a letter.
“Stay right where you are,” Paul wrote. “Some people are teaching things that aren't true. They are making God's family confused. Help them learn what is right.”
Then Paul told Timothy the most important thing of all. “The goal,” he said, “is love. Love that comes from a clean heart.” Not big words. Not being the smartest. Just love.
Paul knew this from his own life. A long time ago, Paul had been mean and proud. He had hurt people who loved Jesus. But Jesus did not give up on him. Jesus was kind to Paul and made him brand new.
“Jesus came to save people who do wrong things,” Paul wrote. “And I was the worst one of all! But Jesus showed me how patient and kind He is.”
Paul was so thankful that he stopped writing rules for a moment and just said thank You to God.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Has there ever been a time someone gave you another chance when you messed up? How did that feel?
- Paul did wrong things, but Jesus still loved him and helped him. What does that tell us about Jesus?
- Paul said the most important thing is love. Who is someone you can show love to today?