The Bible tells us that serving others is an important way to show our love and God’s love to others. When we serve others, we show them love and compassion. When we give them what they need and share what we have with them, we serve others. Listen to a Bible verse about this:

If possible, read this verse directly from your Bible.

Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3

What does it mean to value others more than ourselves?

Allow 2–3 children to respond.

When we value others more than ourselves, we show love in ways that put the needs of others before our own. When we do this, we serve others. The way Jesus lived His life on earth is an example for us of what it means to serve others. He spent His life loving, helping, and giving to the people around Him.

Optional: If possible, share the image from The Action Bible.

The Bible gives us an example of some early Christians who followed Jesus’ example of serving others. They lived in fellowship with each other as they helped and served everyone in the community.

All the believers were together. They shared everything they had. They sold property and other things they owned. They gave to anyone who needed something. Every day they met together in the temple courtyard. They ate meals together in their homes. Their hearts were glad and sincere. They praised God. They were respected by all the people. Every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.
Acts 2:44–47

In what ways did these early Christians show the needs of others were important to them? How did they help others in their community?

Allow the children to answer until they say all of the possible responses. You may need to help them with the answers. Answers include: the believers showed love as they shared what they had with others, gave to those in need, spent time together, invited others to their homes for meals, and praised God.

This example tells us about a whole community of people that loved and served Jesus and each other. The way they lived was so special that other people noticed and wanted to follow Jesus! That is how their community grew.

As more people heard about Jesus, there were more and more who believed He died for their sins. One of these people was named Tabitha. The Bible does not tell us very much about Tabitha. But 1 thing it does tell us is this:

She was always doing good and helping poor people.
Acts 9:36b

Tabitha helped widows by making them clothes. Widows are women whose husbands have died. Widows would not have had much money, and they would have needed many things, including clothes.

Allow 2–3 children to respond to the following questions.

• How did Tabitha help and serve others?
• Why do you think Tabitha helped and served others?
• Do you think Tabitha made her community a better place to be? Why or why not?

Tabitha did not have very much money, but the Bible tells us that she was always helping and doing good. She shared what she had, and she helped others who needed it. We can do that, too!

Here are a few ways you can serve others:

1. Share what you have with someone.
   1. Even if your family does not have much money, you can still find things to share with others. If you know a happy song, you could share it with someone who is feeling sad. If you have food to eat and a child in your neighbourhood does not, you could ask an adult in your home if you can share with that child. There are many different ways you can share what you have with others.
2. Help others who need it.
   1. We have talked about different ways to help others. You can help people carry things. You can help your family with tasks that need to be done around the house. When you help others, you show them you love and care for them.
3. Listen to someone who needs to talk.
   1. Sometimes, people need to talk to someone who will listen to what they have to say. This seems simple, but it can make a big difference in someone’s life when you serve her by listening to her needs and concerns.

Now, let’s use these ideas about serving others to decide how to respond in some different situations. Find a partner to work with.

Help the children pair up and find places to sit together. Then read the first situation.

• Situation 1: An older woman in your community lives alone. She has trouble walking, so it is difficult for her to keep her house clean and go to the market for food. What can you do to serve her?
  • Give the pairs about 4 minutes to think of ideas to serve in the situation. Then allow 2–3 pairs to share their ideas with the whole class.
• Situation 2: Your family sits down to eat a meal. There is only enough food on the table to feed your family. Your neighbour’s children come to your door. Their mother will not be home until much later. What can you do to serve them?
  • Teacher Tip: Sharing is a difficult skill for children to learn, especially those who have experienced trauma. When children do not want to share, do not force them to share. Instead continue to encourage them and model sharing for them. This will help them to know they are safe when they come to class because they will not be made to do things that make them feel uncomfortable.
  • Give the pairs about 4 minutes to think of ideas to serve in the situation. Then allow 2–3 pairs to share their ideas with the whole class.

We can learn from the examples set by the people of the early church. Whether we have a little or we have a lot, we always have something we can share or give to serve others. We can also look for ways to help others who need it. Serving others is a great thing to do!