Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Faith, Not Works: God’s Amazing Gift”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Monday, July 24, 2023

Title: “Faith, Not Works: God’s Amazing Gift”

“ Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again, I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?” Galatians 3:4-5

In these verses, Paul addresses the believers in Galatia, asking them about their experience with God. He reminds them that everything they have experienced and witnessed was not in vain. The miracles and the presence of God’s Spirit in their lives were not a result of following a set of rules or laws, but something more profound—faith in Jesus Christ.

Lesson 1: Not by Our Own Efforts
Paul wants the Galatian believers, and us too, to understand that we cannot earn God’s favor or blessings through our own efforts. No matter how hard we try to be good or follow the rules perfectly, we can never measure up to God’s perfect standard. God’s love and acceptance are not based on what we do, but on what Jesus has already done for us.

Lesson 2: The Gift of Faith
God offers us the gift of faith—the ability to believe in Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. When we believe in Jesus and accept Him into our hearts, God’s Spirit comes to live within us. This is a remarkable and miraculous gift! It’s not something we can achieve on our own; it’s a blessing God freely gives to anyone who trusts in Him.

Lesson 3: God’s Unconditional Love
God’s love for us is unconditional. He loves us just as we are, flaws and all. We don’t have to perform or prove ourselves to Him. Instead, He invites us to trust in Him and experience His love, grace, and mercy.

Dear children, as you go about your day, remember that faith in Jesus is the key to a meaningful relationship with God. It’s not about trying to be perfect, but about trusting in the One who is perfect on our behalf. God loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins and rise again. All you need to do is believe and accept this incredible gift of faith.

God’s love and grace are always with you. Keep growing in faith, and you’ll experience the wonders of His love throughout your life.

Song
My faith has found a resting place,
Not in a manmade creed;
I trust the ever living One,
That He for me shall plead.

Refrain
I need no other evidence,
I need no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
And rose again for me.

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the gift of faith and your unconditional love. Help us to trust in Jesus and His finished work on the cross. May we always remember that our relationship with you is not based on what we do, but on what Jesus has done for us. In His name, we pray, Amen.