For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Romans is a letter Paul wrote to help God's family love God and love each other.
Today's Story
In God's family, not everyone is exactly the same. Paul knew that, and today he writes about it in his letter.
Some people in the church thought it was fine to eat any kind of food. Other people thought they should only eat certain things. They were starting to argue! One person would say, “You're doing it wrong.” The other would say, “No, you are.”
Paul gently says, “Stop judging each other.” He reminds them that we don't have to make everyone be just like us. God loves the one who eats this way, and God loves the one who eats that way. So why look down on a brother or sister God already loves?
Instead, Paul says, “Let us do what makes peace. Let us help each other grow strong.” That means being careful and kind, even when we don't do everything the same way. We don't have to win every little argument. We can choose peace. We can be gentle. We can build each other up instead of tearing each other down.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Have you ever argued with a friend about whose way was better? How did it feel?
- Paul says we don't all have to be the same. What is something a friend likes that is different from what you like — and that's okay?
- What is one way you could “build someone up” instead of putting them down today?