I teach 4 & 5 year olds on Sunday morning. They are so interesting. Talking about random things in the middle of our discussion about Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish is very common. Subjects range from cats to ninjas to new shoes to things their moms and dads said.
In Matthew 18:2-4, Jesus said "unless you are converted and becom as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven". I've had a vague unsure understanding of this most of my adult life. I got more clarity last Sunday.
I had mentioned the Sunday before to the children that Jesus met a woman at the empty tomb based on a picture the kids were coloring. That was wrong. I realized that and knew I needed to correct that ASAP!
On the next Sunday, before we really got started I said, "Hey guys I need to ask you to forgive me. (Everyone was at attention) Last week I said that Jesus spoke to a woman at the empty tomb but that was wrong. The women saw and spoke with two angels at the tomb. It's very important to talk about the Bible in a truthful way. Never change things in the Bible even if it seems like a little thing." The look on their faces was amazing. The look was like "why are you apologizing, you don't need to." Their response was what got me. One kid hugged me. Another kid said, "It's okay."
Later I thought, "That's what Jesus is talking about!"
Don't get me wrong, I'm not there yet but I'm getting it.
Be humble. Don't hold grudges. When someone apologizes, be empathetic. Hug them afterwards. Let them know it's okay.
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