Children's Message

Date: February 1, 2026

Scripture:

Micah 6:1–8, New International Reader's Version

The Lord Brings Charges Against Israel

6 Israel, listen to the Lord’s message. He says to me,
“Stand up in court.
Let the mountains serve as witnesses.
Let the hills hear what you have to say.”
² Hear the Lord’s case, you mountains.
Listen, you age-old foundations of the earth.
The Lord has a case against his people Israel.
He is bringing charges against them.
³ The Lord says,
“My people, what have I done to you?
Have I made things too hard for you? Answer me.
⁴ I brought your people up out of Egypt.
I set them free from the land
where they were slaves.
I sent Moses to lead them.
Aaron and Miriam helped him.
⁵ Remember how Balak, the king of Moab,
planned to put a curse on your people.
But Balaam, the son of Beor,
gave them a blessing instead.
Remember their journey from Shittim to Gilgal.
I want you to know
that I always do what is right.”
⁶ The people of Israel say,
“What should we bring with us
when we go to worship the Lord?
What should we offer the God of heaven
when we bow down to him?
Should we take burnt offerings to him?
Should we sacrifice calves
that are a year old?
⁷ Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams?
Will he take delight in 10,000 rivers of olive oil?
Should we offer our oldest sons
for the wrong things we’ve done?
Should we sacrifice our own children
to pay for our sins?”
⁸ The Lord has shown you what is good.
He has told you what he requires of you.
You must act with justice.
You must love to show mercy.
And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God.

Message:

Good morning, friends. Today we’re going to imagine something very special. Imagine standing in front of a big treasure chest. Inside are three glowing treasures, each shining with beautiful, warm light. These treasures aren’t gold or jewels — they are gifts from God that show us how to live well.

The first treasure glows bright and steady. This treasure is called “doing what is fair.” Being fair means sharing, taking turns, treating others kindly, and not leaving anyone out. Can you show me how you share by pretending to hand something gently to a friend? Can you tell me a way that you might do what is fair? (Allow children to respond.)

The second treasure sparkles softly like a warm hug. This treasure is loving kindness. Kindness means helping someone who needs it, saying gentle words, listening carefully, and caring for others even when it’s not easy. What are some other ways that you can offer loving kindness to someone? (Allow children to respond.)

The third treasure shines with a peaceful glow. This treasure is walking humbly with God. That means we follow God’s ways without showing off. We listen; we learn, and we remember that God walks beside us every day. I wonder how you might walk humbly and follow God without showing off this week. (Allow children to answer.)

These three treasures—fairness, kindness, and humility—light up the world just like stars. God has given them to us so we can shine goodness in every place we go.

Let’s hold our hands out like we’re holding these three glowing treasures: fairness, kindness, and walking with God. Do you feel how warm these treasures from God are?

Now let’s sing “This Little Light of Mine” and imagine each treasure shining as we go out to love others. Point to your heart when we sing, “This little light of mine,” and then stretch your arms out to the world when we sing, “Let it shine.”

(Sing with motions.)

Let's pray.