1 John 3
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Come, sit close. I will tell you something beautiful.
There was a man named John. John was old. He knew Jesus very well. Jesus was his best friend.
John took a pen. He wanted to write a letter. A letter for all the children who loved Jesus. And do you know what he wrote?
"Look! Look how much God loves you! God is like a Daddy. And you? You are His child!"
Yes, really. If you love Jesus, then God is your Father. Then you belong to Him. Forever and ever.
John wrote more. "One day we will see Jesus. With our own eyes! And then we will be just like Him. Isn't that wonderful?"
But John also said something serious. He said: "Children of God do beautiful things. They love each other. They help each other."
And then John told about someone from long, long ago. His name was Cain. Cain was mean to his brother. Very mean. That was not good. That was not how God's children do things.
No, God's children love each other. Like Jesus loved us.
Jesus did the very greatest thing. Jesus gave His life for us. On the cross. Because He loves us so much.
So John said: "Do not just say, 'I love you.' Do it! Really do it! If your friend is sad, comfort him. If your brother is hungry, share your bread."
That is what children of God do.
What Does This Mean?
God looks at you. And God says: "That is My child. I love that child so much."
Do you feel it? God's love is very, very big. Bigger than the sky. Bigger than the sea.
And because God's love is so big, love comes out of us too. To Mommy. To Daddy. To your little brother. To the girl next door.
The Common Thread
Jesus showed us what love is. Jesus gave everything. Everything, for us.
Now Jesus lives in your heart. If you love Him, He whispers softly inside you: "Be sweet. Share. Help."
That is the Holy Spirit. He helps you. Every day.
For You
Maybe your brother wants your toy. And you do not want to give it. That is hard.
But then Jesus whispers softly: "Share. I share with you too."
Or maybe someone at daycare is crying. You can go stand next to that child. You can say: "Do not cry." That is love. Real love.
You do not just say it. You do it. With your hands. With your feet. With your voice.
God sees it. And God smiles.
Talk About It
Who can you be sweet to today? Mommy, Daddy, your brother, your sister, or a friend?
How big is God's love for you? Show it with your arms!
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that I am Your child.
Thank You that You love me so much.
Help me to be sweet.
Help me to share.
I love You too.
Amen.
Questions about 1 John 3
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 1 John 3 about?
What does 1 John 3 say?
What does 1 John 3 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 1 John 3?
Why is 1 John 3 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Notice John says "commandment," singular, then names two things: believe in Jesus, and love one another. He will not let you split them. You cannot obey half of this. If your faith stays inside your own head and never reaches your neighbor, it isn't yet the thing John is describing. Who has God put in front of you today?
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. He who doesn't love his brother remains in death."
John doesn't say we love in order to pass into life. He says love is how we know we already have. Your affection for God's people is evidence, not payment. So when your heart softens toward that difficult brother, notice it. Something eternal is stirring in you.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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