Caring for People Who Are Different
📖 Bible Verse
“Be kind and compassionate to one another.” — Ephesians 4:32
🕊️ Story / Reflection
God created every person specially and wonderfully.
Some people may look different from us, learn differently, speak differently, move differently, or behave differently. But every person is precious and loved by God.
One day, Benson was playing in a field with other children. While they were playing, another child upset him. Benson became angry and hit the child. Benson's mother saw what happened and quickly called him aside. She explained that the child had autism and sometimes experienced the world differently from other children. She told Benson that hitting was not the right response." God wants us to treat everyone with kindness," she said. "When someone is different from us, we should show love, patience, and understanding—not become a bully." Benson felt sorry for what he had done. He apologized and learned an important lesson that day.
Sometimes people may act differently because they have challenges we do not fully understand. Instead of laughing at them, excluding them, teasing them, or hurting them, God wants us to show compassion.
Jesus loved all kinds of people. He welcomed those who were often ignored, misunderstood, or treated unfairly.
When we show kindness to people who are different from us, we reflect the love of Jesus.
💡 Lesson
God wants me to treat everyone with kindness, respect, and compassion.
🙏 Prayer
Dear God, thank You for specially creating every person. Help me to be kind, patient, and loving toward everyone I meet. Teach me to respect people who are different from me and to never be a bully. Help me show the love of Jesus through my words and actions. Amen.
🎨 Activity (Ages 3–6)"God Made Us Special" Activity
Draw children with different hair, skin tones, abilities, and interests.
Talk about how God loves every child. Say together: "God made us all special, and God loves us all."
✏️ Reflection (Ages 7–9)
Discuss:
- What did Benson learn from his mother?
- Why is it important to be kind to people who are different from us?
- How do you think someone feels when they are teased or excluded?
- What are some ways we can show kindness and understanding?
🕯️ Challenge (Ages 10–12)Compassion Challenge
This week:
- Include someone who is often left out
- Speak kindly to everyone
- Refuse to join in teasing or bullying
- Learn something new about a person who is different from you
Ask yourself: "Did I treat everyone with the kindness Jesus would show?"
🌿 Sit with Jesus Moment
Sit quietly and place your hand over your heart. Take a slow breath.
Now softly say: "Jesus, help me love people the way You do." Pause quietly for a moment.
Think about someone different from you in some way. Ask Jesus: "Show me how to be a kind friend to them." Listen quietly and imagine Jesus smiling as He reminds you: "Every person is precious to Me." Rest peacefully, knowing that God wants your heart to be full of love, kindness, and compassion for everyone.
