Note to parent or teacher: Here’s a 30-minute lesson plan on thinking of others. It highlights the following lesson objective: “Learn the joy of thinking of another’s need for encouragement instead of being self-absorbed with one’s own problems.” (Character Building: Social Skills: Compassion-2c)

Watch “Little Missionary.”

Read Luke 10:30–37.

Read “Power-Up Devotional #4: Spirit Fruit: Love.”

Discuss how an important habit to develop that will help us show love to others is taking time to think about what another may like or need, and doing what we’re able to fill that need. We’re more easily able to do this when we put ourselves in the other person’s place and imagine what we might like in that same situation. Have the children think about situations where this would be called for.

Read Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (NIV).

Read “Power-Up Devotional #8: Spirit Fruit: Kindness.”

Discuss what would happen if no one displayed any kindness or thoughtfulness within your personal family or among your friends.

Read “Hot Dog.”

Watch “Say Something Nice.”

Read, color, and cut out “Love Memory Joggers, Part 1” and “Love Memory Joggers, Part 2.” (These do not need to be completed in one sitting, but can be done on following days, or as a later activity.)

Color and cut out “Crazily Cool Card Set: Love.” Pick one verse to memorize, and place it somewhere it can be visible throughout the day.

Pray together for more of God’s love to give to others, and for help in being aware of others’ needs.

Additional material:

• Read or listen to “Madeline’s Misdemeanor.”
• Do “Quick Quiz: Bible Who, What, Why, and Where on Compassion.” Check your answers here.
• Watch “Jot and the Friendly Fuss.”
• Read “Newbie Peers.”
• Read “Plenty of Love.”