Emotions in the Bible: New 4-Lesson Children's Ministry Curriculum on Feelings for Kids' - Ministry-To-Children (2024)

What does the Bible say about emotions and feelings? Why did God give us this powerful gift that sometimes feels too strong to control? How can emotions help me understand life and glorify God?

Those are some of the questions kids will discuss in the NEW Emotions: 4-Week Children’s Ministry Curriculum from The Sunday School Store. I’ve just finished editing the sample lesson, and I’m excited to share it with you below:

This all started with a conversation with my oldest son – the amazing author and English teacher. He was curious why our family didn’t seem as expressive as others he had met in his adult life.

I could only agree—and then confess my own fear of powerful emotions. Some of this was from my childhood, but a lot of it was my preference for rationality.

Then I got curious – if emotions are part of how God made me, why am I too shy to express them?

This realization led me on a journey that ultimately inspired our team to create the curriculum I wish I had when teaching my own kids in children’s church.

It’s simply titled “EMOTIONS,” and I think this will be so important for our kids and our churches.

Here’s the deal: God created emotions as a wonderful gift.

They’re a vital part of who we are, helping us experience the fullness of life that God intended. But like everything else in this fallen world, our emotions can be influenced by sin. That doesn’t make them bad – it just means we need God’s wisdom to navigate them.

We’ve packed four weeks of Bible-based, Gospel-centered teaching into this curriculum. We’re talking about happiness with Hannah, fear with Elijah, trust with Mary, and even tackling anger by looking at Jesus clearing the temple. Each lesson dives deep into God’s Word while keeping things practical for our 6 to 12-year-olds.

Let me give you a sneak peek at what we’re covering:

1. “Happiness – Hannah’s Joyful Surprise” (1 Samuel 1:1-20)
2. “Fear – Elijah Alone in the Dark” (1 Kings 19)
3. “Trust – Mary Accepts the Impossible” (Luke 1:39-56)
4. “Anger – When Jesus Had ‘Enough'” (Matthew 21:12-13)

What I love about this approach is that it’s balanced. We’re not ignoring emotions or treating them as untrustworthy. Instead, we’re helping kids see emotions as powerful tools that God has blessed us with. We’re teaching them to use their hearts and minds together, just as God intended.

And here’s the best part: we’re pointing kids to Jesus through it all. We’re showing them that their relationship with Him is the key to navigating life’s emotional ups and downs. We’re planting seeds of hope, reminding them that one day, Jesus will redeem every aspect of our lives – including our emotions.

Friends, this isn’t just about managing feelings. It’s about equipping our kids with a biblical worldview that embraces every part of their God-given humanity. It’s about preparing them to live full, rich lives for Christ.

So, are you ready to embark on this journey with your kids? Are you excited to see how God can use these lessons to shape young hearts and minds? I know I am!

Remember, every Sunday, every lesson, is an opportunity to show our kids the fullness of life in Christ. And that includes helping them understand and embrace their emotions as gifts from God.

Let me know in the comments how you’re addressing emotions in your ministry. And if you decide to use this curriculum, I’d love to hear about the conversations it sparks in your classroom!

Keep shining His light,
Tony