Helping Children Notice the Person Who Is Serving
Someone is serving your family today. They may be preparing a meal, driving a bus, cleaning a shared room, or helping children learn. We can help our children notice the person as well as the work.
to give his life as a ransom for many.
(Mark 10:45, NIV, excerpt)
After James and John asked for honored places, Jesus taught His disciples a different understanding of greatness. He called them to serve and pointed to His own mission: giving His life as a ransom for many. Christian service takes its deepest meaning from the Savior who gave Himself for us.
Look up and offer a real thank-you
Choose one ordinary moment to practice attention. Help your child notice what someone has done and say thank you in a way that fits the situation. “Thank you for helping us find our books” makes the gratitude specific.
Teach respectful habits too: use a person’s name when appropriate, wait patiently, and leave shared spaces thoughtfully. Children can learn that every person deserves to be treated with care.
Invite your child to take an age-appropriate turn helping. Working beside someone can deepen their appreciation for the effort involved. Ask what would actually be useful before joining in.
As you talk about service, return to Jesus. We follow the One who gave His life for us. His love gives our families a reason to notice others and serve with willing hearts.
A prayer
Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself for us. Help our children notice the people who serve and respond with gratitude and respect. Teach our family to offer useful help with humble, willing hearts. Amen.
Read Mark 10:35-45 in the NIV.
Keep reading: Giving Credit to the Person Who Helped · Teaching Children to Care for Shared Things.
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We can help children notice and honor the people who serve them.
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