![]() If children can be taught the Golden Rule, and develop empathy for what others might feel, they will be safe from the self-will that thinks only of its own wants or needs. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” No one wants to be injured, harmed in any way, or murdered. ![]() See Teaching Children the Beatitudes for ideas. The Beatitudes on meekness, mercy, and peacemaking especially apply to the Sixth Commandment. The lovely spiritual attitudes taught by Jesus in the opening of the Sermon on the Mount, provide protection from the animal instincts that could develop into murderous actions. Both stories can be found in Genesis.īeatitudes. Later, Joseph could have had them killed, or denied them food, but he forgave them. ![]() Also, read to them parts of the story of Joseph, whose brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery. We may sometimes feel like our parents love our siblings better, but show them what happened in the Bible when Cain became jealous of Abel. Teach that learning to get along with our family members is a good place to learn the self-control that will protect us from hurting others. Would this meet with God’s approval? Would it break the Sixth Commandment? Have the children consider what they would feel like if someone much, much larger than they did the same thing to them. They are to be gentle with puppies, kittens, and other animals, as well as using wisdom around them so that the animals do not bite back trying to defend themselves. While there may be a need to defend ourselves against certain insects or wild animals at times, children can be taught not to torture or kill helpless animals for amusement. We do not hurt or kill insects or animals for fun. Perhaps you can combine this game with a lesson on angels, who can protect us with the messages they bring to us from God. They can also learn to pray to ask God for what we want, and be willing to accept His answers. If we are unhappy, we try to use soft words and patience to express what we need to communicate. And that would break the Sixth Commandment. A hand that strikes another person might end up hurting them, or even killing them. ![]() End the game with a reminder that we are not to hit or hurt with our hands. Hands can clap, draw, steer a tricycle, pull a wagon, brush someone’s hair, play piano, cook and eat! Let them use their imagination. Can everyone hold hands, or hold up a useful item. Have everyone share a hug! Hands are for holding. Maybe they can open up the Bible or hymn books in a loving way. Have the children show one way they can use hands to help. Have them show you and the others in class. Ask them to tell you what good things they can do with their hands instead of hitting. Harming other people or animals in anger is against God’s laws. You can turn this into a game of sorts, by telling the children that our hands are not for hitting or hurting. These ideas are loosely grouped into age categories, which are to be used only as guides. We also want to learn how to express humility rather than self-will, which insists on getting its own way, “or else”! The toddler attitude of “I want what I want when I want it” can grow into the kind of temperament that would strike back at someone to harm, if it is thwarted in its efforts to indulge its wants or whims.īelow are a few more ideas to use in Sunday School classes or one-on-one moments with children, to expand their understanding of the Sixth Commandment and how it might be applied in daily life. Jesus taught that being angry is just as bad as actually killing, so we want our children to learn that anger and other emotions, such as hate, envy, jealousy, and greed, are bad qualities we want to subdue or control. We can teach our children how to develop the attitudes and discipline that will prevent them from killing and murdering in the various forms they take: physical, moral, and spiritual. This is especially true of the Sixth Commandment. To help them, we must point out the qualities of thought and action which might lead to the breaking of the Commandments. If children have been taught to love their heavenly Father who takes care of us, they will gladly obey the Ten Commandments. You can easily teach children the words, “Thou shalt not kill,” but for them to learn how to obey the Sixth Commandment, it might be wise to first teach them about dealing with emotions, and practicing the self-discipline that goes into getting along with others, and with God. They also know what it feels like to be angry, and to struggle with self-control. They do, however, feel the terror of fear, of separation from loved ones, of anger directed at them. Most young children do not fully grasp the concept of death.
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