Teaching Sincerity:
As the old saying goes, “there is more than one way to peel an onion.”  Or, in this case, there is more than one reason to peel an onion.  One action can have several underlying motives.  A child could sweep the walk because he is being responsible, or because he wishes to earn money, or because he wishes to make up for a wrong deed he has done.  Doing right for a wrong or self-centered reason is not being sincere.

Sincerity is being truthful on the outside and on the inside.  Seeking “uniqueness”, the world today emphasizes the outside: clothing, makeup, hair styles, and mannerisms.  However, these things are only superficial and can accent a person or mask who they really are.  A sincere person acts on God’s commands because they are right, and prays for God to change any wrong heart attitudes.  This is not an excuse to do wrong saying, “that’s just the way I felt about it,” but rather a challenge to keep a clear conscience and right attitude before God and others.

God has given us the truth.  We ought not tarnish it with sinister motives.  Speak truth and do right- for the right reason!


Object Lesson:
Find a mirror in the house that the kids can use. Have the kids look in the mirror and draw a picture of their reflection (dry erase wipes off easy!).  Explain how God made us unique and special, and that we should never hide or cover who we are.  We must admit when we need help, and not talk nice to someone to their face and mean to their back.  It is wrong to act one way at home, another way with friends, and a different way at the grocery store.  We must give the best that we are to every person we are with. Remember, God sees your heart, hidden inside, as well as you can see your reflection in the mirror!

So many people today are “I” centered.  They focus on themselves and what they can get out of life instead of on the love of Jesus.  When someone wrongs them, they get bitter, which breeds hate, and can eventually lead to murder.  Forgiveness is not a feeling, but rather a choice.  A decision.  Forgiveness determines to “let go” of the anger and offence and be kind to the person, showing them Jesus’ love in return. 

This does not mean that there are no consequences, for laws cannot be ignored.  A police man should not “permit” a speeding car by looking the other way, however, if he pulls the driver over and only issues a warning, then he is showing forgiveness inside the law.  Also, though your grandpa may forgive you for throwing the baseball through his window, he may still require you to make restitution by paying for a new window.

Forgiveness gives the responsibility of justice to God, and keeps loving people.

Object Lesson:
Give each child a potato, and write the name of a person they don’t want to forgive on it. Then put the potato in a ziplock bag and have them to carry it everywhere they go for the next week.

At the end of the week look at the potatoes and compare the rotting vegetables.  Explain that refusing to forgive rots a person on the inside.  Ask the children if other people commented about the potato they carried around.  Emphasize that more people are affected by their bitterness than just them.