Mouth

OBJECTIVE

Our words are a weapon. Depending on the words that we use, we can Build or tear down people. Some of these words we can use to gossip, give wisdom, and/or winning people over. Jesus reminds us how important our words are. He also reminds us that we are using unkind words, there is a deeper issue. It mostly likely means that our hearts may not be pure. This lesson is to help identify how important our words are and how they can impact others around us.

INTRODUCTION & HOOK - 10 Minutes

Prepare three posters or sheets and tape them on the wall. Write the following questions:

• How does using positive words impact someone?
• How does using negative words impact someone?
• How does gossiping impact someone?

Give about 10 minutes for children to go around and answer each question on the paper. Then come together and discuss your findings.

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 10 Minutes

Memory Verse "What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them."(Matthew 15:11)

Read the passage: Matthew 15:1-20

CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 10 Minutes

Please read the passage with the children and start to have a discussion about it using the points below.

Start by reading this passage: Matthew 15: 1-20

Discussion: Then say, "Here, Jesus is telling us how important our words are. Our words are like a weapon, we can hurt or praise people with it. Our words are often defined as "two-edged sword." We can show love and kindness with it and we can also show hatred and jealousy. "

• Use this verse as an example and say " In James 3:5-6 he says ," Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things, see how great a first a little fire kindles And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature.."

Discussion about St. James: Say, "St. James talks about the importance of our words. He says that even if we use one word, it can set a huge flame. Our tongues are more powerful than we think. Therefore it is imperative to be mindful before we say anything. If we look back at our chart, we will see some of the things we wrote about how we felt when people use kind words, unkind words or even gossip. What are some things that we can do to prevent us from saying unkind words?"

• Say, "Now let's look back about what Matthew says in verses 16-20 "Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts---murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them."

Discussion about these verses: Say, "Jesus says here that these harsh words come out from something deeper than us. Something that is hidden in our hearts. That's the issue that we need to address. How can we ensure that the words that are coming out are loving? (allow children to give examples: maybe it depends on what we surround ourselves with, maybe it depends on WHO we surround ourselves with)"

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 5 Minutes

Write down 5 compliments that you will give to your family members or classmates this week. Next week come back and share how those words impacted their lives? Did it brighten up their day?

LIFE APPLICATION - 5 minutes

It is important that we are careful with the words that we say to other people. Remember, that the purpose of our tongue is that we are to glorify God. When we say unkind words, we are not only hurting the person that we say those words too, but we are also hurting God. We need to try our best to use kind words and/or to be respectful.

ACTIVITY - 10 Minutes

Option 1: Give each child a piece of paper and something to decorate with. Have each child write something kind about their classmate. Pass out the cards at the end of class.

Option 2: Make a card to mom, dad, sister, or any other relative telling them how much you love them and thank them for everything that they do

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

Go home and tell 5 different people something positive i.e. I really like the way that you organize your room, I really like the way that you do your homework before you play, I am thankful that you cook for us mom/dad/grandma, Thank you for picking me up from school everyday