For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
God's own people get into a sad quarrel — and it teaches us how much pride and anger can hurt.
Today's Story
After God used a leader named Jephthah to rescue the people, you'd think everyone would be happy and grateful. But instead, the men of one tribe, Ephraim, came stomping up, angry and full of pride. “Why didn't you call US to help?” they complained. “We wanted to be included!” They were so jealous and upset that they started a big quarrel.
Sadly, the quarrel grew into a real fight between God's own people — brother against brother. What a tragedy! Instead of celebrating together and being thankful for God's rescue, they let pride and anger tear them apart.
It's so sad when God's people fight each other instead of loving each other. Pride says, “What about ME? Why didn't I get the credit?” And jealousy and anger can quickly turn into hurtful words and fights.
God wants His people to be humble peacemakers, not proud fighters. When we feel left out or jealous, we can choose to stay humble, talk kindly, and keep the peace, instead of letting pride start a quarrel.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- The men of Ephraim started a quarrel because they felt left out and jealous. Have you ever felt jealous? What did it make you want to do?
- God's people fought each other instead of loving each other. Why is that so sad to God?
- A peacemaker helps stop quarrels. What's a way you could be a peacemaker at home or school?