Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Guiding Heart With Love”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Monday, January 22, 2024

Title: Guiding Hearts with Love

“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child: the rod of correction will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15)

This verse today from the book of Proverbs reminds us that as children, we may sometimes make mistakes, silly choices or act foolishly. But guess what? God gives us amazing people like parents, teachers, and guardians to guide us and help us become awesome individuals!

You know, when we get a little reminder or correction, it might feel like, “Oh no, why is this happening?” But guess what? It’s like God’s way of saying, “Hey, I love you so much, and I want you to grow up to be incredible!” Imagine your heart as a garden, and foolishness as little weeds trying to grow. It’s natural – we’re learning and growing every day. The verse suggests that correction is like the gardener’s tool, guiding and shaping our hearts.

Correction doesn’t mean punishment, but rather gentle guidance, like a loving hand helping a flower to bloom. Parents and teachers are like gardeners, using their “rods of correction” to nurture us with wisdom and love.

Think of a time when someone helped you understand why certain actions are better than others. That’s a form of correction. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about becoming the best version of ourselves.

Just as a garden needs both sunshine and rain to thrive, our hearts need a balance of love and correction to grow strong and wise. So, when you face challenges or make mistakes, remember that it’s an opportunity to learn and blossom into the incredible person you’re meant to be.

So, the next time someone gently corrects you, think of it as getting a little more superhero training. It’s not because you’re bad; it’s because you’re so important that God wants you to shine brightly! May your hearts be filled with the beauty of wisdom, tended to with the gentle guidance of those who care for you.

Thought for Reflection
Take a moment to think about a time when you received correction and grew from it. How did it shape you into a better person? Embrace the lessons, for they are the seeds of wisdom planted in your heart. Choose one area in your life where you can apply wisdom and make a positive change. Whether it’s being more patient, showing kindness, or working harder in your studies, let the rod of correction guide you towards growth.

Song
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whatever I do, where’er I be,
Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me, he leadeth me,
By his own hand he leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by his hand he leadeth me

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for guiding us with love. As we reflect on Your Word, help us apply the lessons of correction with humility and openness. Grant us the strength to grow in wisdom and the courage to make positive changes in our lives. Bless our parents, teachers, and friends who gently correct us, so our hearts may shine with the beauty of Your light. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.