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Destination: The Path of Love
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. -- John 13:34 (NIV)
Good morning, Kingdom Explorers!
Last week, Captain Compass welcomed us into God's amazing Kingdom. We learned something wonderful: Jesus knows our names, loves us, and welcomes every one of us.
Today we're heading to the next stop on our journey: The Path of Love.
Explorers, have you ever walked on a trail through the woods?
When you walk on a trail, every step leaves a footprint behind.
Even after you've gone home, someone can sometimes look at the ground and tell: Someone walked this way.
Our lives are a little like that.
Every day we leave footprints wherever we go—not footprints in the dirt, but footprints made by our words, choices, and the way we treat people.
When you invite someone to play...
When you help someone who's having a hard day...
When you share...
When you forgive someone...
When you tell somebody they're important...
You're leaving footprints of God's love.
And grown-up Explorers, this isn't only a lesson for our children.
We leave footprints too.
We leave them in our homes, at work, in our community, and right here in our church.
People may eventually forget something we said, but they often remember how we made them feel.
Jesus didn't simply say He loved people.
Jesus showed them.
He welcomed people who were lonely.
He cared for people who were hurting.
He forgave people who made mistakes.
He even loved people who were hard to love.
That’s why Jesus told His followers:
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
— John 13:34 (NIV)
So, here's our challenge this week.
Before we say something, let's ask:
Will my words leave a footprint of love?
And before we do something, let's ask:
Will this help someone see what Jesus is like?
Captain Compass has one simple tip for all of us today:
Every act of kindness leaves footprints of God's love!
So, Explorers—and grown-up Explorers too—let's leave a trail of kindness everywhere we go.
And maybe someone who follows our footprints will discover the love of Jesus.
Explorers, next week we're leaving the forest trail behind. Captain Compass is taking us somewhere completely different.
We're heading toward the sound of rushing water...Adventure Three: The River of Grace
We'll discover something amazing about God's love: His grace is a gift—and the river never runs dry!
Closing prayer;
Loving God,
Thank You for loving us and showing us how to love others.
Help us leave footprints of kindness wherever we go.
Give us caring hearts, gentle words,
and helping hands so others can see Your love in us.
Walk with us
this week,
guide our steps,
and help us
become more like
Jesus every day.
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.
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