Learning to Be Compassionate: 6 Kid-Friendly Steps Sample

Making a Difference

The Big Idea: We can show compassion to those who are much less fortunate than ourselves. It’s up to us to make a difference by developing caring hearts.

Much of the world doesn’t live the way we do. The things we take for granted, such as clean water, food and heat on a cold night, don’t come easily to everyone.

As children of God, we’re called to show compassion and kindness to those less fortunate. Deuteronomy 15:11 (NIV) says, “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.”

God wants us to make a difference by caring for others. One way to inspire your children to care more deeply is by helping them understand the circumstances of others. Today, let’s spend some time with Elisabeth, a little girl in Guatemala who lives in extreme poverty.

Getting to Know Elisabeth

While Elisabeth is a kid who loves to run and play, poverty has taken much from her family.When Elisabeth was nine years old, her father was injured, and she had to take over many of the family chores.

Reflection Questions for the Kids: When your mom and dad are sick, how do you feel? What do you do to help around the house?

Elisabeth’s father is unable to work, and her mother died when Elisabeth was a little girl. She does all the cooking and cleaning, andshe cares for her younger brothers and two sisters.

Reflection Questions for the Kids: What are the hardest chores that you must do at home? Can you imagine what it would be like if you had to do ALL the chores?

Elisabeth has a sponsor named Bizzy. Bizzy helps Elisabeth, and she also writes her letters to encourage her.

Reflection Question for the Kids: Are there people in your life who help you too?

Going to Elisabeth’s House

Mark out a 10’x10’ square on the floor with masking tape. Explain that this is a common house size for people who live in extreme poverty.

Gather your family in the “house.” Does it feel big or small? Do you feel crowded? Pretend to do activities such as cooking, cleaning and homework. Then, try lying down as a family to “sleep.”

Explain that as many as six to eight people typically live in a house this size without electricity or running water. Ask your kids: What things would be impossible to do without electricity and running water?

Consider having a meal of beans and rice in your “house” while your family talks about the challenges Elisabeth faces.

Finish the evening by praying for Elisabeth, her family and other children in poverty.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10