Matthew 5:24 “…be reconciled to (make peace with) your brother…”
My last blog on peace and peacemakers was a children’s sermon that showed how the kingdom of heaven comes together when we add our peace to the puzzle. As I was giving it, another dimension came to mind regarding sharing the peace with each other. So I prepared another children’s message for when the text or timing is right. Here it is:
“Sharing Your Peace”
You’ll need many pieces of paper with 4 kinds of peace (listed below)written on them.
Good morning. Is everyone here at peace in their heart and mind? I have lots of peace that I’m going to hand out today. They will be some of the kinds of peace Jesus wants us to share with others. First, let’s talk about peace – and especially, peace of mind.
What gives you peace of mind?
(1) A good breakfast, a full stomach…ahhhh, yes! Captain Krunch, or Lucky Charms, or Honey Nut Cheerios.
(2) A nice warm house with a roof…no rain on your head when you’re awake or sleeping.
(3) A warm coat when it’s cold outside, a soft blanket to cover you at night.
(4) A safe place to play. No fear that someone will hurt you.
There are many things that help bring us peace. When we have these things, then we can enjoy other blessings in our lives. So on the pieces of paper I give some of you, I’ve written these things that bring peace: Food to eat. Shelter from weather. Clothes to keep us warm. Safe places to play.
I’m going to give some of you this kind of peace. (Give out many pieces of paper with “food” to one child, many pieces of paper with “clothes” to one child, many pieces of paper with “shelter” to one child, and many pieces with “protection” to another — so that at least half the children have no paper, or peace.)
Is everyone here happy and at peace? No? Why not? Some of you don’t have any food, or shelter, or safety that I gave out. If you don’t have food, or shelter, or something to keep you warm, or safe — how can you have peace? And the others of you, look at your unhappy friends. Don’t they look miserable?
How do you think we can help everyone to be happy?
Why don’t we share some of what we have that brings us peace, something we have a lot of, with our friends? Let’s share our peace with them. When we all can have peace of mind because we have food, clothing, shelter, it’s easier to get along.
Can you see how important it is for you to share what gives you peace with others? That’s what Jesus wants us to do – to share our peace with others so they can have peace, too. Let’s ask Jesus to help us.
Dear Jesus, You have given us food, shelter, and clothes. Help us to share what gives us peace of mind with others so we can all live in peace. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
