___________________________________________________

Choose from the following children's sermons:

• Loving One Another, John 13: 31-35  (see below)
• The Sneetches, by Dr. Seuss, Acts 11:1-18 click here

___________________________________________________

Loving One Another
a children's sermon based on the gospel lesson
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

props: a bag of candy (individually wrapped candy pieces, such as tootsie rolls)

Greetings, my little friends, today I brought some of my favorite candy.  Well,      before I open the bag and eat some of this candy, I'd like you to know that I really care for all of you kids. (continue to talk while you unwrap a piece of candy and stick it in your mouth) I like you guys so much, I outright love you.     Hmmmm, I tell you this candy is soooo good.

How would you feel if I decided to eat this whole bag of candy all by myself, right here in front of you?  Would you still believe me that I care about you? Even if I didn't  share my candy with you?  That doesn't make sense doesn't it.  It would be like saying one thing, but acting a different way.

In one of our bible lessons this morning, Jesus says: "This is my commandment that you love one another." 

You know, sometimes I thing it is easier to love God than to love others around you.    It may be easier to love God, because God is perfect; he never disappoints us.   But to really love others can be hard sometimes.

How should we love others?  I think it's not enough to just say that we love others.  We must show it through our words and our actions.  It means that we must do good for others and share with them.

Hmmm. I wonder whether that means that I should share my candy with you?  What do you think?

Give out the candy pieces and, as you hand them out,  tell each child that you care about (love) them.

---