James 4
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Listen. Sometimes children fight. Do you know that too? One child wants the red car. The other child wants the red car. And then… they pull. And they shout. And someone starts crying.
There was a man. His name was James. James wrote a letter. A long letter, on paper. And in that letter he said something important.
James wrote: "Why do you fight so much? Why are you angry so often?" And then he said it himself. "Because you always want more and more. More toys. More candy. More, more, more."
James knew a secret. A very big secret. Do you want to hear it?
The secret is this: you can just ask God. God likes to hear you. If you need something, then you may ask Him. Just like you ask Mommy or Daddy for a cracker.
What Does This Mean?
But wait. James said something else too. Sometimes people ask God for things. And they only think about themselves. Just me, me, me. And then their heart gets a little grumpy.
James said: come close to God. Very close. And then God comes close to you too. Isn't that beautiful? Just like when you crawl onto Daddy's lap. Then Daddy hugs you tight.
God does not like proud hearts. A proud heart says: "I can do it all by myself. I don't need anyone." But God loves a small heart. A soft heart. A heart that says: "God, help me please."
The Common Thread
Do you know who had the softest heart of all? Jesus. Jesus was never proud. Jesus was always kind. And Jesus wants to make your heart soft too.
When you fight, or when you are angry, you can tell Jesus. And Jesus washes your heart clean again. Very clean. Like Mommy washes your dirty hands after you played outside.
Jesus says: come to Me. And I will help you.
For You
Do you sometimes get angry? When your brother takes your toy? Or when your sister eats the last cookie? That is not fun. Your tummy feels grumpy then. Your face gets red.
But now you know the secret. You may tell God. Say: "God, I am so angry." And God listens. Really. He hears everything.
And then you can try again. Try to share. Try to say sorry. That is hard sometimes. But God helps. He really does.
Come close to God. Then He comes close to you. Very close. Closer than a hug.
Talk About It
When do you sometimes get really angry? Can you tell about it?
What would you like to ask God for today?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Sometimes I get angry. And sometimes I fight. I am sorry, God.
Please make my heart soft. And come very close to me. I want to be close to You too.
Thank You for listening. Amen.
Questions about James 4
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is James 4 about?
What does James 4 say?
What does James 4 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from James 4?
Why is James 4 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin." Notice where this lands: right after James warns the merchants who say "today or tomorrow." The good you keep postponing is waiting on a day you were never promised. You already know the phone call, the apology, the gift. Knowing was never the hard part.
Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Notice the order. Surrender comes first, then resistance. We often fight temptation on our own strength and wonder why we keep losing ground. The devil does not flee from your willpower. He flees from what you are standing under. Kneel first. Then stand.
Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?" Notice what the Judge is able to do. He can save. When you sit in that seat over someone, you only ever manage the destroying half. Think of the person you have already sentenced this week. Could you save them? Then leave the bench.
You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures."
Notice James doesn't say your prayers are too small. He says they're too selfish. God isn't a vending machine for our cravings. Before asking why He hasn't answered, sit quietly and ask why you want what you want. That question alone can rearrange a heart.
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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