Building a servant's heart and work ethic in a child is a powerful way to cultivate kindness, empathy, and a willingness to help others. By teaching children the importance of serving with love and humility, we encourage them to follow Christ's example and develop a heart for others. Through simple activities, lessons, books, and Bible verses, children can learn how to serve joyfully and with purpose.
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
This parable illustrates the importance of helping others, even when it’s inconvenient or requires sacrifice. The Samaritan serves his neighbor by tending to his needs, showing kindness and compassion.
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet (John 13:1-17)
Jesus, the ultimate servant, humbly washes His disciples’ feet, teaching them the importance of serving others, regardless of status or position.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
This story emphasizes the value of hard work and being faithful with the resources entrusted to us. The servants who use their talents wisely are rewarded, while the one who does nothing with his talent is reprimanded.
Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 2)
Ruth's dedication to serving her mother-in-law, Naomi, and Boaz’s generosity in allowing Ruth to glean from his fields highlight the principles of hard work, loyalty, and servanthood.
Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall (Nehemiah 2:17-18)
Nehemiah’s leadership and hard work, along with the dedication of the Israelites who rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, demonstrate the importance of working together for a common purpose and serving others through effort and perseverance.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.
Matthew 20:26-28
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Matthes 25:40
The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
John 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Romans 15:1, 2
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Hebrews 13:1
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"
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The Little Red Hen is a classic folk tale that teaches valuable lessons about hard work and teamwork. In the story, the little red hen finds some grain and decides to plant it, but none of the other animals will help her. She continues to work alone, planting, harvesting, and baking the bread. When the bread is finally ready, the other animals want to share in the reward, but the hen decides to enjoy it all by herself. This story emphasizes the importance of responsibility, self-reliance, and the consequences of not helping others.
Stone Soup by Heather Forest is a retelling of the classic folk tale where hungry soldiers arrive in a village and convince the suspicious townspeople to contribute small amounts of food to make a delicious soup. Through cooperation and sharing, the villagers learn the value of community and kindness.
In The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room by Stan and Jan Berenstain, Mama Bear encourages Brother and Sister Bear to clean up their messy room. The cubs learn a valuable lesson about responsibility and the importance of working together as a family to maintain a clean and organized space. This story teaches young readers the value of cooperation, teamwork, and taking care of their belongings.
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.
Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook is a fun and educational book that introduces children to different jobs. Each page features clues in the form of clothing and gear associated with a specific job. The book ends with the question, "These clothes are clues to jobs people do. Is one of these jobs just right for you?"
My Hands Were Made for Helping by Jacquelyn Stagg is a simple yet impactful book that highlights the many ways children can use their hands to help others. Through rhythmic text and engaging illustrations, the book shows various acts of kindness and service, encouraging children to contribute positively to their family, friends, and community.
Blizzard by John Rocco tells the story of a young boy and his family who must navigate a powerful snowstorm. As the blizzard isolates their town, the boy takes on the responsibility of helping his neighbors by getting groceries for everyone. This book highlights themes of community, selflessness, and the importance of helping others in times of need.
Maddi's Fridge by is a touching story about a young girl named Sofia who discovers that her best friend, Maddi, is struggling with hunger because her family doesn't have enough food. Sofia is faced with a difficult choice, as she decides whether or not to tell someone about Maddi’s situation. This book teaches children about compassion, friendship, and the importance of helping others in need.
Chores and classroom jobs not alone provide a sense of belonging and purpose for a child, they also build a work ethic and servant's heart. View activities below.
Have the children serve snacks to each other during snack time, either by passing out plates or sharing food. This gives them a practical way to practice servanthood and understand the joy of serving others. Extend this by allowing the child to pick up trash, sweep, and clear plates from the table.
With the child, bake cookies or bread to share with a neighbor or friend. Let the child deliver the treats to their door as a kind gesture. This is a great way to teach your child the value of showing kindness and generosity to others while demonstrating the joy of working together.
Talk with the child about what it means to be a happy helper and discuss ways they can help others. Trace each family member’s or student’s hand on a piece of poster board and add the title "Happy Hands are Helping Hands." Hang the poster in a visible spot in your home or classroom. Each time someone helps another, place a happy face sticker on their hand on the poster.
Start by discussing with the children how Jesus is the King of everything, yet He showed a servant’s heart by helping others. Share simple examples of Jesus serving, such as washing His disciples' feet or healing the sick. Explain that having a servant's heart means thinking about others, helping them, and showing kindness, just like Jesus did.
For the activity, have the children create a "Servant's Heart Crown" to wear. Provide materials such as construction paper, markers, and stickers, and let each child decorate a crown. As they work, remind them that just like a king has a crown, they too can show they are following Jesus by serving others. Once the crowns are made, encourage them to wear them and share ways they can serve others—whether it’s helping clean up toys, sharing with a friend, or giving a hug.
Finish by reinforcing the idea that, even though Jesus is the King, He chose to serve others, and we can do the same by helping and loving those around us.
Discuss who serves you (e.g. parents, siblings, garage truck operators, doctors, teachers). Create and send thank you cards to that person expressing thankfulness for their servant's heart.
Draw a clock on a piece of paper or print the clock worksheet. If the child is ready, have her write the numbers on the clock. Add the title "It's Always a Good Time to Help Others." Discuss how there is never a bad time to help others.
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Make cleaning up and serving a group effort. Teach the children to pick up toys or classroom materials together. Provide the child with a rag to dust or wash off the table. Rake leaves or pick up sticks for a neighbor. Discuss how teamwork is a valuable part of servanthood and how it makes work easier when everyone helps.
Have the children work on a collaborative art project, such as creating a mural or assembling a large puzzle. Talk about how working together helps get the job done faster and how everyone’s efforts are important in serving a common goal.
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