We finished the month in Luke 10:25-37. When Jesus told the Pharisee’s, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself,” they shot back with another question, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus went on to tell the story of the Good Samaritan. When faced with the decision to ignore an enemy or have compassion, the Samaritan chose to set aside His differences and show love. 

Bottom Line: Love others because they matter to God. We won’t always get along with everyone we meet, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving of God’s love. Through this story, we pray that kids will see that all people matter to God, and we should show His love to everyone we meet.  

Bible Memory Verse: We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. -1 John 4:16 NLT 
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~The Reign Forest Team

Here is the summary of our week 3 lesson on LOVE along with the Bottom Line and Bible Verse.
 
In Mark 6:30-44, we see how Jesus’ care for others turned into one of His most amazing miracles. Jesus reached a point in His ministry when He was extremely popular. Everyone wanted to hear what He had to say about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, thousands of people showed up to hear Him speak. As it became later in the day, Jesus could have sent them all home to grab some dinner, instead He made the unthinkable happen. He turned five loaves of bread and two fish into a meal for more than 5,000 people.
 
Bottom Line: Give to others who are in need. As we start to see others the way God sees them, we will become more aware of their needs. We have opportunities everyday to help others and meet their needs. This can be as simple as lending a pencil to a friend or offering to share part of your lunch. It’s amazing how kids will start to show love to others when they become aware of the needs around them.
 
Bible Memory Verse: Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.  - 1 John 3:18 
 
Blessings,
The Reign Forest team

We start off the month learning about God’s perfect love. In John 15:12-13, we discover that Jesus showed us love in the most sacrificial way possible, by laying down His life for us. Jesus asks us to love one another, just as He loved us in the way we sacrifice for our friends.  

Bottom Line: Love others because Jesus loves you. As kids learn about Jesus’ sacrificial love for us, we pray they will start to understand how they can show love sacrificially to the people in their lives. Showing love to others will not always be convenient. When we begin to see our potential to love in light of Jesus’ love for us, we will understand that showing love, even when it’s difficult, is worth all the effort.

Bible Memory Verse: His is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. - 1 John 4:10
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Have a great week!
The Reign Forest Team

Dear Reign Forest Friends,
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On Sunday, we finished our month on knowledge in Matthew 11 where we find John the Baptist in prison.  John wondered if Jesus was truly the Savior that God had promised, and he goes right to the Source to find out.  Jesus responded with love and reassured John that all of God's promises are coming true. 

Bottom Line:  When you don't know what God says, ask.  Even when you know God's word, you may have questions about what God is doing in you life.  We want kids to know that no question is too big for God.  We pray that our church is creating environments where kids feel safe to ask hard questions about their faith.  God will respond to their questions with love. 

Memory Verse:  "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking."  James 1:5 NLT