Romans 8
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Listen. A man named Paul wrote a letter. A long letter, full of good news. He wrote it for people who loved Jesus. And now we listen too.
Paul said: God loves you. Very, very much. So much that He sent Jesus. Jesus came to help us. Because sometimes we do wrong things. But Jesus made it all right again.
And then Paul told something wonderful. God gives His Spirit. The Holy Spirit. He comes to live inside your heart. Just like a warm little light. You cannot see Him. But He is there.
The Holy Spirit helps you. He makes you strong. He makes you brave. He helps you choose good things.
What Does This Mean?
Do you know what is very special? Because of Jesus, you may be a child of God. A real child of God!
You can call to God: "Father!" Like a little child running to his daddy. Arms up. Safe.
God hears you. God sees you. You belong to Him.
And sometimes something sad happens. Sometimes you have a boo-boo. Or you are scared. Or you cry. Paul said: even then, God is close. His Spirit helps you. When you don't know what to pray, the Spirit prays for you.
Isn't that wonderful?
The Common Thread
This whole story is about Jesus. Always Jesus.
Jesus came down to earth. Jesus loved us. Jesus died on the cross. And then, on the third day, Jesus rose again! He is alive!
And now Jesus is with God. And Jesus is thinking about you. Yes, about you. He says to God: "That is my little one. I love him. I love her."
Paul wrote something so beautiful. Listen carefully. Nothing, nothing, nothing can pull you away from God's love. Not when you are little. Not when you are big. Not when it is day. Not when it is night. Not when you are happy. Not when you are sad.
God's love stays. Always. Forever.
For You
Do you know what you may do? You may put your hand on your heart. Feel it? Boom, boom, boom.
God's Spirit lives there. Deep inside. He whispers softly: "You are a child of God."
And when you are scared at night, remember: God is with me. And when you fell down, remember: God loves me. And when Mommy or Daddy is sad, remember: God is close.
You are God's child. And nobody, nobody can change that.
Talk About It
Whose child are you? And whose child are you also, because of Jesus?
What do you want to say to God, now that you know He loves you so much?
Praying Together
Dear Father in heaven,
Thank You that I am Your child. Thank You for Jesus. Thank You for Your Spirit in my heart. You love me always. Also when I am little. Also when I am scared. Also when I sleep.
Thank You, Father.
Amen.
Questions about Romans 8
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Romans 8 about?
What does Romans 8 say?
What does Romans 8 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Romans 8?
Why is Romans 8 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Notice what creation is waiting for: "the liberty of the glory of the children of God." Its freedom is tied to yours. Every wilting flower, every dying animal, every groaning of the ground is leaning toward the day God finishes what he started in you. You are not the only thing rusting. And you are not the only thing being made new.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us."
Paul does not say your suffering is small. He weighs it honestly, then sets it on the scale against what is coming, and finds it light. Whatever is crushing you today is real. It is also not the final word spoken over your life.
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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