The Explanation

Once there was a little boy. He did something wrong.

His daddy sat down close. His daddy said, "Let me help you."

The boy did not want to listen. He crossed his arms. He said, "No!"

But another day, a different boy did something wrong too. His daddy said, "Let me help you."

That boy said, "Okay, daddy." He listened. His heart felt soft.

God says the second boy was wise. Listening to help makes you smart.

God also loves kind words. Words can hurt, like a poke with a stick. But words can heal too, soft and warm.

God loves people who tell the truth. Even a little lie makes God sad.

God loves people who work hard. A farmer who digs his field gets bread to eat. Yummy bread, warm and brown.

What Does This Mean?

God sees everything we do. He sees if we listen. He sees if we tell the truth. He sees if we work hard, or if we are lazy and just dream.

God is not far away. He is close, watching, caring. He wants us to choose the good way. Not because he wants to catch us. Because he loves us.

The Common Thread

God always helps his people stand strong. Like a tree with deep roots, that does not fall down. Proverbs says, "The root of the righteous shall not be moved."

Jesus is like that root. Deep, strong, safe. When we hold on to Jesus, the wind can blow. The rain can come. We will not fall.

For You

Did someone help you today? Your mommy, your daddy, your teacher?

Did you listen, like the wise boy? Or did you cross your arms, like the other one?

You can say, "Okay, I will listen." That makes God glad.

You can say kind words too. Not sharp words, like little pokes. Soft words, like a warm blanket.

Talk About It

When did someone help you today? Did you listen?

Can you say one kind word to someone right now?

Praying Together

Dear God, Thank you for loving me. Help me listen when someone helps me. Help my words be soft and kind. Thank you that Jesus is my strong root. Amen.