Teaching the character of goodness to young children helps them understand the importance of kindness, generosity, and making choices that reflect God's love. This page provides engaging activities, carefully selected books, and meaningful Bible verses and stories that guide children in learning what it means to be good. Through fun and interactive lessons, children will discover how to apply goodness in their daily lives, building a foundation for strong character and positive relationships.
Definition: Doing the right thing even when others aren't watching, showing love
Opposite: Self-centered, “me” first, being mean
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
This story teaches the goodness of helping others, even strangers, by showing love and kindness to those in need.
The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
While not a specific story, this passage teaches that goodness is one of the fruits of the Spirit, encouraging children to show kindness, generosity, and love in their daily lives.
Jesus Heals the Blind Man (John 9:1-12)
Jesus shows goodness by healing a man born blind, demonstrating compassion and care for others.
Jesus Feeds the 5,000 (John 6:1-14)
Jesus demonstrates goodness by providing food for a large crowd, showing how kindness can meet the needs of others.
The Healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-14)
Naaman is healed of leprosy because of the goodness shown by a servant girl and the prophet Elisha, who helps Naaman despite him being an outsider.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7)
This story shows the goodness of God’s love, as the shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to find the one that is lost, demonstrating care and compassion.
Ruth’s Goodness to Naomi (Book of Ruth)
Ruth shows goodness and loyalty by staying with her mother-in-law Naomi, working hard to provide for her and demonstrating love in difficult times.
The Healing of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)
Jesus shows goodness by healing a paralyzed man brought to Him by his friends, demonstrating His care for the sick and hurting.
Joseph Forgives His Brothers (Genesis 45:1-15)
Joseph demonstrates goodness by forgiving his brothers, who had sold him into slavery, and providing for them in their time of need.
Get a child ready for kindergarten with the ABCJesusLovesMe 4 Year Curriculum. The engaging, easy-to-follow lesson plans and activities focus on age-appropriate academics, Bible stories, character training, and developmental skills, providing the perfect foundation for a child’s educational journey. Ideal for both home and preschool use, ensure that your child or students are confident and prepared for the next step!
Shorten the verses as appropriate for the child's developmental level.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Psalm 23:6 (NIV)
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Psalm 34:8 (NIV)
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Micah 6:8 (ESV)
He has told you, "O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NIV)
And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Words Are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick teaches children the power of their words and how they can choose kind and respectful language. Through simple text and relatable illustrations, young readers learn the importance of thinking before speaking and how their words can affect others. This book encourages positive communication and helps children develop empathy and self-control.
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry is a heartwarming story about friendship and standing up for one another. When Stick and Stone meet, they quickly become best friends, supporting each other through challenges. This simple yet powerful tale teaches children about kindness, empathy, and the strength found in true friendship.
From tiny tots to preteens, our chore chart is designed to help your child develop valuable life skills while keeping your home running smoothly. Make chores fun and rewarding for the whole family! Download now and see the positive impact on your child's development.
Samaritan’s Purse is an organization that provides a gift filled shoebox to children all over the world through Operation Christmas Child. The activity of choosing items to fill the shoebox is an excellent way for your child to share goodness as well as put into practice the true meaning of Christmas. Read more about Operation Christmas Child Shoebox
Create a tree on the wall with paper leaves. Every time a child does something kind, they can add a leaf to the tree, symbolizing how their goodness helps grow something beautiful.
Take the child on a walk outside to explore God’s goodness in creation. Encourage them to notice the beauty of flowers, trees, and animals. After the walk, talk about how we can reflect God’s goodness in our actions.
