For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
God's people had a question for Him. His answer showed them what He loves the most.
Today's Story
Some people came with a question for God's helpers. For a long time they had kept special sad days where they didn't eat, to remember hard times. “Should we keep doing this?” they asked.
God gave them a surprising answer. He said, “When you skipped your food, were you really doing it for Me? Or just for yourselves?”
Then God told them what He truly wanted. It wasn't about skipping meals at all. God said, “Here is what makes Me glad. Be fair to each other. Be kind and gentle. Take good care of people who are sad or lonely — the child without a mom or dad, the visitor from far away, the person who has very little. Don't plan mean things against anyone.”
Long ago, God reminded them, His people stopped listening. They covered their ears. But God still loved them, and He still wanted them to come back.
So God was inviting them again: Listen to Me. Be kind. That is what I love.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Who is someone you saw today who might have felt lonely or left out? What could you do to be kind to them?
- God said being kind matters more than just looking good on the outside. What does it look like to be kind even when nobody is watching?
- God's people covered their ears and stopped listening. Why do you think listening to God is so important?