3 Bible Stories to Teach Kids about Faithfulness
The way things are going these days, it’s no wonder kids have a hard time with the concept of faithfulness. Our culture supports the pursuit of the immediate and trendy, conditioning the hearts and minds of this generation to move from thing to thing and person to person without much thought. Kids are encouraged to try activities and friendships on like clothing to find the right fit. And though there’s nothing wrong with searching for the talents and relationships that will allow our kids to be their best selves, they’ll miss out on a big part of God’s plan for their growth if they don’t also learn the value of faithfulness.
Faithfulness is the act of being true to your word or promise. It’s the ability to follow through on commitments with dedication. The Bible offers several examples of faithfulness, first and foremost in the character of God. But there are many other, ordinary people in Bible stories that can teach our kids what it means to be faithful.
3 Bible Stories That Teach Kids about Faithfulness
Ruth | Faithfulness to Family
Ruth 1:6-22
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Ruth 1:16 ESV
After her husband died, Ruth could have chosen to go off on her own and create a new life for herself. But instead, she chose to remain with her mother-in-law Naomi and follow her to her home country. You see, Ruth didn’t know how things would turn out. She just knew she needed to be faithful to the family God had given her. And because of her faithfulness, God took care of the rest.
Faithfulness often means putting others first and staying loyal and true to family, friends, and other loved ones. It means trusting that when we are faithful, we honor God and allow him to work in our lives.
When we are faithful, our faithful God will take care of all our needs.
Read it in the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids: Ruth’s Redeemer, page 118
Related Episodes to Watch:
What’s in the Bible?: The Cycle of Misery
Read and Share Bible: Ruth and Naomi
Friends and Heroes: Lost in Alexandria
David and Jonathan | Faithfulness in Friendship
1 Samuel 19-23
And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. 1 Samuel 23:16-18 ESV
The story of Jonathan and David is a sweet reminder of what it means to be faithful friends. Jonathan could have been jealous of David, who was chosen by God to proceed his father as king. He could have compared himself to David, the courageous man who seemed to be getting all the attention. But he didn’t. Instead, Jonathan vowed to remain by David’s side no matter what. He promised to support him and cheer him on.
There may be times in life when we are David, the “chosen” one. In those seasons, it’s a gift to have a friend like Jonathan to faithfully support us. There may be other times when we get to be a Jonathan to our friends, choosing to be present and faithful as they shine.
Faithful friends support each other, no matter what.
Read it in the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids: Israel’s New King, page 136
Related Episodes to Watch:
Friends and Heroes: Friends, Romans, and Mystery Men
The Parable of the Talents | Faithfulness with Talent and Resources
Matthew 25:14-23
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21 ESV
Sometimes, faithfulness means abandoning fear and going for it. When we explore a new interest or activity, it’s normal to be tempted to let things get in the way of following through. But just like the servant in this story who failed to be faithful with the resources given to him by his master, we shouldn’t allow fear or laziness to hold us back from giving ourselves faithfully to everything we do.
Our faithfulness says a lot about us. If we give up without really trying or we go half-way leaving teammates or classmates hanging, we tell others we’re not dependable and can’t be trusted. Faithfulness follows through. Wouldn’t you like to be known as someone who can be counted on?
When we are faithful, we show God and others we can be trusted.