Truth Taught: When we are thankful for what God gives us, our hearts overflow with joy, even in difficult times.
Materials:
- A sponge (representing a thankful heart)
- Two bowls: one empty, one filled with water
- A towel or tray (to catch any drips)
- Bible
Instructions:
- Start by showing the two bowls—one filled with water and one empty. Hold up the sponge and say: This sponge represents our hearts. Sometimes, when we aren’t thankful, our hearts are dry, like this sponge when it hasn’t been in the water.
- Place the sponge in the empty bowl and say: If we never take time to be thankful for what we have, our hearts stay dry, and we miss out on the joy of recognizing God’s blessings.
- Now, place the sponge into the bowl of water, letting it absorb the water. Lift it out and squeeze the water into the empty bowl. Say: But when we take time to be thankful, our hearts fill up with joy, just like this sponge fills with water.
- Keep squeezing the water from the sponge and say: When our hearts are full of gratitude, it overflows, and we can share that thankfulness and joy with others.
- Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT): “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
- Explain: Sometimes, it can be hard to be thankful, especially when things aren’t going well. But God tells us to be thankful in all circumstances because gratitude helps us see all the good things he’s given us—even when times are tough.
- Ask the children: What are some things you’re thankful for today? Encourage them to share their thoughts.
- Conclude: Just like the sponge fills with water and overflows, when we fill our hearts with gratitude for what God has done, our joy overflows, and we can share that thankfulness with others.
Aha Moment: Watching the sponge absorb water and then overflow as it’s squeezed helps kids visualize how gratitude fills our hearts and overflows, showing them how practicing thankfulness can change their perspective.