Sin can be a topic that is avoided in Kids Ministry due to the potential harshness of it. It is such an important part of our faith, and we shouldn’t shy away from teaching kids the reality of sin. Don’t underestimate what kids can understand. You’d be surprised! If God can allow the mind of a child to grasp the concept of Jesus dying for us to save us from sin, then He will definitely allow the mind of a child to understand the basis of sin.
Simply put, sin is the bad stuff we do that makes God sad and separates us from Him. Children are typically concrete thinkers, so give them practical examples of what sin looks like in their lives: disobeying their parents, lying to their friends, or arguing with their brother or sister.
It’s okay to tell them the origin of sin – Adam and Eve. Let them know that God intended for us to be perfect creations, but we ruined that by falling into temptation from the devil. Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, so now ALL people sin. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Even though sin can be uncomfortable or difficult to talk to kids about, it provides the best opportunity for a gospel presentation! In Romans 6:23 says “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The beginning of this verse is a scary reality, but the second part of the verse is the greatest truth and comfort that we can have as Christians. Even though we sin, God provided the gift of safety and eternal life with Him forever by sending Jesus to die for us. All we have to do is accept that gift!
