August 20th 2023: Overcome Evil with Good

Welcome, educators and caregivers!

We're excited to embark on a meaningful journey as we delve into the rich teachings found within the chapters of Romans 7-11. In this carefully crafted lesson plan, we will uncover the profound messages and spiritual insights that lie within these passages. As primary teachers in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, your role in guiding the young hearts and minds entrusted to your care is truly invaluable.

Throughout these chapters, the apostle Paul delves into essential themes that resonate deeply with our faith and principles. He addresses the Romans in a unique manner, exploring the intricate relationship between God's divine plan and the agency of humankind. In his writings, Paul touches on the spiritual significance of Israel, emphasizing the Lord's mercy and eternal promises.

One of the remarkable aspects of teaching from the scriptures is the flexibility they offer for different interpretations and applications. While we present a structured lesson plan to aid you, always remember that you are an instrument in the hands of the Lord. Just as Paul's words were inspired by revelation, seek your own divine guidance as you lead your young students through these chapters. Adapt, modify, and personalize the lesson according to the inspiration you receive and the unique needs of your students.

Romans 7-16: “Overcome Evil with Good”

Supplies Needed:

• Confetti Cake Colorful Sprinkles, and Cake Ingredients (Used in Part 2 and Part 3)
  Note that you should speak with the parents if you are planning to let children eat these after the object lesson is complete to make sure there are no allergies.
  
  
• Play-Doh or Similar - Two Very Different Colors (Used in Part 3)
  Play-Doh can be found at many stores. If you would like to gift each child two Play-Doh containers as a reminder of the lesson or would like many colors for future lessons, I recommend these. For this lesson, I recommend primary colors.
  
  
• Seed and Seedling (Used in Part 4)
  Bonus: Pot with dirt and water
  
  
• Uninflated Balloon (Used in Part 4)
  If you struggle with blowing up balloons (like I do!) I recommend a balloon pump. The one I use is here. I also use this pump at class parties to blow up decoration balloons and make balloon animals!
  
  
• Recordings of Several People's Voices (Used in Part 5)
  Prior to the lesson, reach out to the children's parents. Record them saying 1-2 sentences. Also record the voices of some people that the children do not know.
  
  
• Book of Mormon, Bible, Church Magazine (Used in Part 5)

Part 1: Introductions and Reminders

(2 minutes)

Remind the children of any upcoming special events or rewards. Provide a quick recap as to who Paul is and that we are currently studying the letters he wrote to the people in Rome.

First time here? See what else to include in your introductions in our post here.

Part 2: God Causes All Things to Work Together for Good

(3 minutes)

Show the children the baked cake or cupcakes, and ask if the children like cake. Ask them what some of the ingredients are that go into a cake. After the kids answer, show them the separate ingredients you brought.

Ask the children who did like cake if they think the ingredients would taste good. Allow a child to taste a little of the flour, oil, cocoa powder, or similar. Talk about how these ingredients don't taste good on their own. Allow the same child to taste a little sugar or other ingredient that tastes good on its own.

Explain to the children that life can be a lot like the cake. Separately, there are some bitter times, some raw, hurtful times, and some dry, bland times. If there is time, share a rough time you have experienced, or allow them to think of some of their own. Then explain how there are sweet times in our life, too, just like the sugar.

Talk about Romans 8:28, and how God can use all things - both good and bad - to work for the good of His people, just like mixing the ingredients together can create a delicious cake. Discuss how even though the ingredients do not taste good alone, they are all necessary for the cake to taste good in the end.

Part 3: Heavenly Father's Love is Always With Me

(7 minutes)

Begin by giving each child a slice of cake (or individual cupcake). Tell them that you made this cake using sprinkles. Show them the sprinkles that you used and explain that the sprinkles are what give the cake the bursts of color.

Explain to them that you are running low on sprinkles, and you would like them to remove the sprinkles from the cake and give them back to you. Note: This can be a messy activity. I recommend either taking your class outside for this part of the lesson or covering the floor with something that makes it easy to clean up. I used a table cloth to catch all the crumbs.

When the children have attempted to give you the sprinkles back, compare the sprinkles in the cake to the ones that weren't baked. Show them that even though they tried to remove the sprinkles, they were unable to give back exactly what you had put in.

Next, pull out the two different colors of Play-Doh. Take a piece of one Play-Doh, and mix it into the other Play-Doh. Ask the children if they are able to separate the two colors of Play-Doh.

Explain to the children that some things are not able to be separated, just like the sprinkles and the Play-Doh. Teach we are like the Play-Doh and the cake, and that God's love is like the sprinkles and the second Play-Doh color. God's love can never be separated from us, no matter what happens.

Show them a picture of the sky during the day, and ask them where the sun is located. Once they understand that the sun is in the sky during the day, show them a picture of the night sky. Explain to them that, though we cannot see the sun, it is still there. Tell the children some of the things that the sun does for us. For example: The sun gives us light and warmth. The sun makes it possible for things to grow.

Talk to the children about how God's love is like the sun. Sometimes, when we are struggling, it might seem like His love is gone, just as the sun appears to be gone during the night. However, His love is never far away, and it will provide us with light and warmth, and a good environment for growing spiritually.

Part 4: Faith Grows Bit by Bit

(4 minutes)

Show the children the seed and the seedling. Tell them that you were supposed to plant two seeds at the same time, but you forgot and now the one plant is growing while the other is just a seed. Ask the children if you planted the seed today, would the plants be the same size tomorrow? If you brought the bonus supplies, you can ask them this as you are planting the seed. 

Read the following story (or make up your own). Every time the main character does something to show faith, blow up the balloon a little. Note: I recommend testing this activity at home to make sure you know approximately how much air to add each time so that the balloon is full by the end of the story.

Once upon a time, in a cozy little village, there lived a kind-hearted and curious child named Lily. Lily was five years old and had a heart full of faith that was as bright as the sun. She loved exploring the world around her and discovering new things.

One sunny morning, Lily's grandmother fell ill. Lily loved her grandmother very much and was worried about her. But instead of being sad, Lily decided to exercise her faith. She closed her eyes, folded her tiny hands, and said a little prayer. "Dear Heavenly Father, please help my grandma feel better soon. I know you can make her feel strong and healthy again." Lily's faith shone as she believed that her prayer would make a difference.

Later that week, Lily's mommy told her that they were going to plant some flower seeds in their garden. Lily was excited! She knew that if she took care of the tiny seeds and gave them water and sunshine, beautiful flowers would grow. With a big smile, Lily gently placed the seeds in the soil, whispering words of encouragement to them. Every day, she would water them and talk to them, believing that they would turn into colorful blossoms. 

As the days went by, Lily's best friend, a playful kitten named Sparkle, went missing. Lily searched everywhere but couldn't find her furry friend. She remembered something her parents had told her about having faith like a mustard seed. So, she closed her eyes, held a tiny mustard seed in her hand, and whispered, "Heavenly Father, please help me find Sparkle. I have faith that you can help me, even if my faith is as small as this seed." And you know what? Just a little while later, Lily heard a faint "meow" coming from behind some bushes. There was Sparkle, safe and sound!

One day, Lily noticed an elderly neighbor struggling to carry heavy groceries into her house. Lily's heart was filled with love and kindness, and she wanted to help. She remembered the story of the Good Samaritan her teacher had told her. She decided to show her faith through action. She ran over to her neighbor and offered to help carry the bags. Her neighbor smiled warmly and thanked Lily for her kindness.

On Saturday, it was General Conference. Even though it was long, Lily tried her best to listen to what the prophets were saying, because she knew that they spoke the word of God. Lily felt a warmth in her heart telling her that the prophets were speaking the truth.

One evening, after her grandma had gotten better, Lily's grandma told her a bedtime story about a brave little ant who helped its friends even when things were tough. Inspired by the story, Lily decided to be like the ant and help her mom and dad around the house. She picked up her toys, helped set the table, and even folded her own clothes. Lily's parents were amazed by her willingness to help and her cheerful attitude.

Lily's faith wasn't just about praying and hoping. It was also about being kind, helping others, and believing that good things could happen. Lily's faith shone through whenever she tried to be better and follow what Jesus taught, and when she learned about Him. 

Explain to the children that just as the plant doesn't grow in a day and the balloon didn't inflate immediately, our faith often grows bit by bit, line upon line. Explain that there are several things that we can do to help our faith grow.

Part 5: My Faith Grows When I Hear the Word of God

(7 minutes)

Have the children listen to the recordings of people's voices. Have the children try to guess who's voice is talking in each recording. After you have finished listening to the recordings, talk to the children about how it is easier to understand the voices of people that we frequently hear, such as our parents. Explain to them that we can also learn what Heavenly Father's voice is like. Explain that while we might not hear it with our ears like we did with the recordings, our hearts can know what it feels like when He is trying to speak to us, and the more we try to listen to the word of God, the more familiar our hearts become.

Show the children a picture of the Prophets and Apostles, a copy of the Book of Mormon, a copy of the Bible, and a religious magazine, such as the Friend or the Liahona. Tell the children that these are places where we can hear the word of God. Explain to them that hearing the word of God allow our faith to grow and our knowledge to increase.

Ask the children some of the places where they might hear the word of God, such as primary class, General Conference, family scripture study, etc.

Part 6: Conclusion

(7 minutes)

End the lesson by bearing your testimony and inviting a child to offer the closing prayer.

This week, we added a little extra time to the conclusion since we had cupcakes to pass out. The cupcakes they got to bring home were frosted, whereas the one we used in the lesson didn't in an attempt to keep things cleaner.

Encourage the children to reflect on the day's lesson with this week's journal prompt. Here are some examples that work well with this week's lesson:

• I can listen to the Prophets.
• I can read my scriptures.
• Heavenly Father's love is always near me.
• My faith can grow, just like a plant.
• God causes all things to work for the good of his people.

Thanks for Reading!

As we wrap up this lesson plan, remember that teaching these young hearts isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about fostering understanding, love, and a connection to their Heavenly Father. May this lesson spark a fire of curiosity and a desire to cultivate their spiritual gifts, make righteous choices, and show Christlike love to everyone they meet.

Stay tuned for more inspired lessons and ideas that will continue to enrich your journey as a gospel educator!