As I Have Loved You

This morning I have a bag of suckers. As you can see, they come in many different flavors. (Name the flavors in the bag.)

In my experience, kids can be particular about the flavor they choose, which means I almost always end up with only butterscotch suckers when all the other flavors are gone. Personally, I’m not sure why kids don’t want the butterscotch suckers--I love all the flavors, butterscotch or not! (Invite kids to share their favorite flavor and whether they’d ever choose butterscotch.)

Sometimes we treat people like those last-to-be-chosen, butterscotch suckers. In outdoor games, certain kids are always the last to be chosen. Other times, kids leave others out from gatherings, parties, or other activities. Maybe sometimes there are reasons, like the child left out isn’t a great athlete, or maybe he or she is interested in different things than your friends. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t feel good to be left out.

When was a time you felt left out or were chosen last?

How did that make you feel?

Did you know you weren’t alone in that sad time? Jesus was with you! He doesn’t want anyone to be left out. In the Bible, He reminded His friends that He loves ALL the children, no matter what they look like or what their interests and talents are. And He wants us to love others like that, too. He said, "Love each other as I have loved you." Today we’re going to think more about how to love everyone and not leave anyone out--butterscotch or not. (Let kids choose a sucker.)

Dear Father, help us to remember that Jesus taught us to love one another just as You loved Him and as He loved us. In Jesus' name, amen