Romans 15
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Paul wrote a long letter. It was for people far away, in a city called Rome. Paul could not visit them yet. So he sent the letter.
In this part of the letter, Paul says something important. He says: be kind to each other. Big and small. Strong and weak. Help each other.
Jesus did that too. Jesus was strong. But Jesus helped everyone. He was kind to sick people. He was kind to sad people. He was kind to little children.
Paul says: do the same. Be like Jesus.
And Paul says something else. He says: God is for everyone. Not just for one country. Not just for one kind of people. God is for boys and girls everywhere. In every land. God loves them all.
What Does This Mean?
God wants us to live together nicely. Like brothers and sisters. Not fighting. Not saying, "I am better than you." No. Helping each other.
That is not always easy. Sometimes your friend wants a red cup. And you also want the red cup. Then what do you do?
Paul says: think of Jesus. Jesus gave. Jesus helped. You can do that too.
The Common Thread
Long, long ago, God made a promise. God said, "I will bless everyone. From every land."
And that promise came true! Through Jesus. Jesus came for people close by. And for people far away. For big people and little people. For everyone.
That is why Paul was so happy. He wanted to tell everyone about Jesus. Even in far countries where no one knew Him yet.
God's love is big. So big! Big enough for the whole world.
For You
Do you know what is nice? You can help too. Really.
You can share your cookie. You can hug someone who is sad. You can play with a child who is all alone.
And when you do that, it is a little bit like Jesus. Jesus is happy about that.
God gives you strength for it. Even when it is hard. God helps you.
Talk About It
Who can you be kind to today? Mommy? Daddy? Your brother or sister? A friend?
How was Jesus kind to people? Can you think of a story?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You love me. Thank You that You love everyone. Please help me to be kind. Just like Jesus.
Amen.
Questions about Romans 15
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Romans 15 about?
What does Romans 15 say?
What does Romans 15 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Romans 15?
Why is Romans 15 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Paul asks prayer for two things: rescue from enemies, and "that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints." The second request is the tender one. He was carrying a gift, and he feared his own brothers might not want it. You know that ache. Love offered is always a risk, even among saints.
Paul, the tireless apostle, asks prayer that he might "come to you in joy through the will of God, and may together with you, find rest." He needed rest. He needed other people to help him find it. And he came to Rome in chains instead, still carried by that same will of God. Where are you refusing rest because you think strength means needing no one?
Paul writes, "Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me." Notice the word "strive." Prayer, for Paul, was not a polite formality. It was labor, a wrestling done alongside others.
And notice something else: the great apostle, the one who planted churches and wrote half the New Testament, is asking ordinary believers in Rome to pray for him. He needed them. He knew it.
Who is striving in prayer for you right now? And whose name are you carrying to God today, not casually, but with real effort?
Paul writes, "But I write the more boldly to you in part, as reminding you, because of the grace that was given to me by God." Notice he does not claim to teach them something new. He reminds. And he is bold about it, not because of his credentials, but because of grace given to him.
You probably already know what God is asking of you today. You do not need new information. You need someone to remind you, gently and boldly, of what grace has already made true.
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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