What does it mean to have courage? And how do we teach lessons about courage to our students in our classrooms or Sunday school? Do we tell them to bravely face each problem without fear? Do we tell our Sunday school students that courage means fear is gone altogether? Does courage mean that we aren't scared of anything?
Teaching little people about courage can be a tough concept to tackle, especially when little fears can seem like such a big deal. Or when we just don't know what tomorrow, or next week, or next month will hold. But that's the thing, courage isn't the absence of fears or things to be afraid of. Courage is a choice to do the right thing even if we are afraid. Say that one out loud. Write it down somewhere that you can see every day. (I put it on a post-it note beside my bed!)
Bible Stories that Help to Teach Courage
There are so many great Bible stories to help show our students examples of real men and women who had to make the choice to do the right thing even if they were afraid. Here are a few of my favorites…
David and Goliath
Esther
Daniel in the Den of Lions
Where Does Courage Come From?
Our students need to understand that this courage to do what is right doesn't come from themselves, it comes from God! We can be brave and have courage because courage comes from Him. We can choose to make the next right choice because our strength and courage is not our own.
Are you looking to teach your elementary student more about what the Bible has to say about courage? Bible-Based Character, Courage explores courage from a Bible-based perspective and is perfect for Christian Schools, Sunday Schools, and Children's Church.
Grab this free courage journalling activity and try out a courage lesson right now.
Looking for a little more?
There’s a whole set of Bible Based Character Education lessons themed around COURAGE ready for your classroom or Sunday School.