Set the Mind

Children's Message

Introduction

The eighth chapter of the letter to the Romans is one of the most loved chapters in the Bible. As the crux of this important epistle, this chapter provides insight into some of the core elements of our faith. How does the law function in our faith? What does it mean to set our mind on the Spirit? What is our relationship with all creation? How are we bound together with other disciples in suffering and joy? St. Paul sets out to answer these and many other questions as he weaves a poetic vision of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a part of the body of Christ. We invite you and your congregation to explore “Core Faith” this summer. 

Scripture

Romans 8:1-11, New International Reader's Version

The Holy Spirit Gives Life

8 Those who belong to Christ Jesus are no longer under God’s judgment. ² Because of what Christ Jesus has done, you are free. You are now controlled by the law of the Holy Spirit who gives you life. The law of the Spirit frees you from the law of sin that brings death. ³ The written law was made weak by the power of sin. But God did what the written law could not do. He made his Son to be like those who live under the power of sin. God sent him to be an offering for sin. Jesus suffered God’s judgment against our sin. 4 Jesus does for us everything the holy law requires. The power of sin should no longer control the way we live. The Holy Spirit should control the way we live.

⁵ So don’t live under the control of sin. If you do, you will think about what sin wants. Live under the control of the Holy Spirit. If you do, you will think about what the Spirit wants. ⁶ The thoughts of a person ruled by sin bring death. But the mind ruled by the Spirit brings life and peace. 7 The mind ruled by the power of sin is at war with God. It does not obey God’s law. It can’t. 8 Those who are under the power of sin can’t please God.

⁹ But you are not ruled by the power of sin. Instead, the Holy Spirit rules over you. This is true if the Spirit of God lives in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ. 10 If Christ lives in you, you will live. Though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life. The Spirit does this because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of the God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you. So the God who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your bodies. He will do this because of his Spirit who lives in you.

New International Reader's Version (NIRV) Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Objects

One soft or paper heart from last week and a second heart to attach to the first to begin creating a chain of hearts.

Message

Good morning, friends. Do you remember this heart from last week? (Hold up one heart. Pause.) What did it help us remember? (Allow responses: “God loves us.” “God forgives us.”) Yes. God loves us no matter what.

Today, I brought something new. (Hold up the second heart but don’t link it yet.) Before we talk about it, let’s wake up our bodies again, because our bodies help us learn.

Everyone, sit down. Now stand back up.

Now, stand tall like a tree. Stretch your arms up high.

Can you feel your feet on the ground? Press them down just a little.

Let’s breathe together. Slow breath in…and out. One more time. In…and out.

Paul from the Bible tells us something important today. He says God gives us the Spirit to help us think about loving things.

Our minds think. Our hearts feel. And God helps both.

Let’s try something:

Turn your whole body this way.
(Pause.)

Now turn your body the other way. That was easy. But sometimes choosing which way to go isn’t easy.

Sometimes, we choose kindness. Sometimes, we choose to yell. Sometimes, we want to do the right thing…and sometimes, we don’t.

Does that ever happen to you?

(Pause for nods or quiet “yes.”)

That’s why God doesn’t leave us by ourselves.

(Link the two hearts together.)

When God’s Spirit is with us, our hearts connect. We are not alone when we make choices. God’s Spirit helps our minds think loving thoughts and our hearts choose loving actions.

Let’s feel that.

Put one hand on your head.
Put one hand on your heart.

Your mind.
Your heart.

God cares about both.

Now we’re going to practice together.

When I say “Spirit,” breathe in.
When I say “love,” breathe out.

Ready?

Spirit…
(Let children breathe in.)

Love…
(Breathe out.)

Spirit…
Love…

One more time.

Spirit…
Love…

Does your body feel calmer?

God’s Spirit helps us slow down, pay attention, and choose love.

I wonder how God helps you when you feel angry. (Allow children to answer.)

God’s Spirit helps us choose love. I wonder what loving choice you might make this week. (Allow children to respond.)

Shared Closing (Repeat Weekly Ritual)

Now, just like last week, we’ll end together.

Put one hand on your heart.

(Wait.)

Now reach out and link your hands with someone near you; imagine your hearts are linked together.

Leader: God’s love holds me.
Children: God’s love holds us.

Prayer

(Hands on heart, slow breathing)

God, thank you for your Spirit.
Help our minds and hearts follow your love.
Amen.

Between the Sundays

A Family Faith Practice for the “Core Faith” Series

Each week includes:

• A short scripture idea.
• Conversation starters.
• A hands-on or movement-based activity.
• A simple prayer.
• The consistent ritual used in worship.

Week 2 – Set the Mind

Scripture Focus: Romans 8:1–11
Theme: God’s Spirit helps us choose love.

Talk Together

• What helps you calm down when you feel upset?
• How does your body feel when you make a kind choice?
• Who helps you choose loving actions?

Try This Together

Spirit and Love Breathing

Sit or stand tall.

When someone says “Spirit,” breathe in slowly.

When someone says “love,” breathe out slowly.

Repeat three times.

Optional: Add a second heart next to last week’s heart.

Wonder Together

I wonder how God helps us when we feel angry.

I wonder what loving choice we can make this week. I wonder what loving choice you offered this week. Share with other family members.

Prayer

God, thank you for your Spirit.
Help our minds and hearts choose love.
Amen.

Family Ritual

Hands on hearts; then hands linked together:
Leader: God’s love holds me.
All: God’s love holds us.