Sharing Hope with Preschoolers Through Compassion

After hearing unkind words from a boy in my preschool class, a three-year-old girl hugged her arms around her stomach, winced her face, and said, “He hurt my feelings!” Then she looked up at me with a clear face and asked, “Where are my feelings?” Her question was as if her feelings were a body part that was hurt.

Preschoolers may have a hard time understanding their feelings, but we know they all need someone who has care and concern for their needs.

Think about the preschoolers in your own Mission Friends group. What are the needs you see in your preschoolers and their families?

We are encouraged to show compassion to all in the Scripture passage of Romans 12:12–13, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Because of the hope we have received through Christ’s love, we can share His hope with others in practical ways.

As you look at the needs of preschoolers and families, seek ways you can show care and concern to those in need.

We can show compassion to preschoolers within our classroom by meeting their physical needs, using a kind voice, or helping with a difficult task.

We can also show compassion outside the classroom when we do practical things like taking a meal to a family or sending a birthday card to a preschooler.

Be on the lookout for ways to share compassion and the hope of Christ with those in need.

Pray:

Compassionate Father, Thank You for the hope that is mine in Christ. Open my eyes to the needs of preschoolers in my care. Guide me to show them Your love in practical ways. Lead me to be compassionate to all because of my hope in Christ.