Ask your child if they have ever been jealous. Explain to them that jealousy is being angry or upset about someone else’s possessions or accomplishments. Talk about how Saul was jealous of David because people liked him.

Think about a time when you both experienced jealousy (make sure to select something within a child’s ability to understand). Consider the other sins that jealousy can lead people to commit. Talk about how Saul started out being jealous, but eventually his envy led him to hurt other people very badly.

Get out a clear bowl and fill it with water. Explain to the child how the water is clear. Then take a bottle of food coloring. Place three drops on a plate. Talk about how small it seems in comparison to the water. Add the drop to the water. Show the child how one tiny, seemingly unimportant sin has colored the whole bowl of water. Add a few tablespoons of bleach and a half teaspoon of baking soda. Stir. Show the child how the water is now clear. Explain that Jesus’ blood is the only thing that can cleanse the sin from our souls.

Talk about how Saul had the chance to ask God to help him overcome his sin, but he chose to let it grow.

Contrast Saul’s behavior with Jonathan’s. Talk about how Jonathan was David’s friend and he helped him and loved him. Think about friends who have helped you or your child. Write “Thank You for Being my Friend” or a similar message on a notecard and allow the child to decorate it to thank their friend.

Talk about how David trusted God even when things seemed bad. He knew that God would keep his promise and that one day, he would become king. Explain that God always knows best. Select a plate with a pretty design. Hold it above the child’s head so they can only see the bottom. Ask the child if it looks pretty. Tell them how pretty you think it is. Then lower the plate so the child can see the pretty design. Talk about how God can always see the big picture even if we can’t.

Explain that people will wrong us. Talk about how we have the choice to forgive or seek revenge. Consider how Jesus was wronged. Explain how he was hung on the cross but still asked God to forgive those who had wronged him. Think about someone who has wronged your child. Pray with them to ask God to help them forgive.

Praise God together for friendship, forgiveness, and that He is so big and powerful.