This weekend we taught the children about the good Samaritan. We also helped the children recognize what a neighbor is and what it means to love others and to love God.

An elementary-school counselor was standing outside her school one day as one of her students, a third-grade girl, and her mother approached. The little girl greeted the counselor with a hug and cheerfully told her mother while pointing to the counselor, “She’s the one who makes us happy.” What a wonderful compliment for the counselor to be characterized as someone who consoles others, especially young children!

In this weekend’s lesson, the children heard the biblical story of someone in the Bible, the good Samaritan, who consoled another person. The good Samaritan was like a counselor to the man who was attacked and robbed. First, the good Samaritan was filled with compassion: “he was moved with pity” (Luke 10:33). Second, the good Samaritan placed bandages on the man’s wounds (Luke 10:34). Third, the good Samaritan became the injured man’s caretaker: “Then [the good Samaritan] put [the man] on [the good Samaritan’s] own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him” (Luke 10:34). Fourth, the good Samaritan solicited the aid of others to help care for the man: “The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said ‘Take care of him’” (Luke 10:35a). Last and most importantly, the good Samaritan made preparations for a follow-up visit to check on the status of the man: “When I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend” (Luke 10:35b).

As a parent, you are also a good Samaritan/ counselor to your children. You show the children compassion, and in ways you may not be aware, you provide healing—physical and spiritual—for their young hearts. You are also a caretaker for your children. As a parent you must pray for God’s guidance, and wisdom as you care for your children. This week as you interact with your children, help them recognize what it means to love others and to love God, know that you are indeed also a good Samaritan!

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God”. 1 John 4:7