How to Make God's Love Tangible for Children

Receiving God’s love into our lives is beautiful and showing His love to others fulfills our calling as Christians. Children enjoy seeing the love of God working through their lives.

Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other. – John 13:35 (The Message)

Today I want to share with you a few ideas on how to make God’s love tangible for children.

1. Be purposeful about scheduling opportunities to show God’s love.

As parents, it’s easy to desire to show God’s love to others, but building it into the family schedule provides the time to follow through. One way my father did this as I was growing up was through teaching a Bible study once a month at a nursing home. Perhaps you participate in a weekly ministry through your church or you hold a community outreach once a month. Whatever the service opportunity, place it on the calendar and discuss the reason for your service with your children.

2. Look for daily opportunities and embrace them.

Wherever you are, whatever the day holds, keep your eyes open for those around you who need to see the love of Jesus! Last summer, my boys saw a young mom pushing a stroller. Her arms were loaded down and she dropped a folder of papers, which quickly started to blow around in the breeze. The boys jumped to their feet and began to help the woman without my prompt. I was so excited to see them help when they saw a need!

3. Read God’s Word together.

Reading the Bible together is a wonderful way to provide children with an opportunity of hearing about God’s love. Another great way to help them experience God’s love is through reading Bible stories together. The God’s Love for You Bible Storybook is a wonderful resource to help children visualize just how much God really loves them.

4. Share God’s Word with others.

Perhaps you could provide a Bible to someone in need of one. Have your child tell their recent memory verses to Grandma or Grandpa on the phone or via text or video message. Our family prints out and shares valentines with Bible verses every year!

5. Brainstorm ways to share God’s love with others.

You might be surprised at the creativity of your child if you ask the question, “How do you think we could show God’s love to _________?” and then allow them to fill in the blank with someone they know who needs to feel the love of Christ through the actions of His people.

Your Turn

What ways have you found to make God’s love tangible for your children?