Violence

This week’s Brite lesson (Judges 4–5) walks through a moment in the Bible from the book of Judges that includes some difficult details. As kids hear it, it may stand out to them or lead to questions, especially if they’ve already been exposed to violence in different ways.

We want kids to understand that the Bible sometimes shows us what happened in a broken world, not what God wants us to do. The Bible often shows what happened, not what we should do. This week, we’re helping kids see that violence is not part of God’s design. It’s part of the broken world we live in, not His heart for people.

If your kid brings this up at home, take time to listen and talk it through together. Remind them that God cares about their safety, sees what they’re going through and is always with them. And we can hold onto the hope that one day Jesus will make all things right, and violence won’t exist in His kingdom.

Here’s how we discussed this topic and how you can discuss it at home: 

Discuss: Without describing what you saw, what are some ways that you have seen violence or people hurting other people? Movies? TV shows? Social media?

Discuss: How does it make you feel when you see something violent like that?

Discuss: What do you think God has to say about that?

Say: Our Bible story today contained some violence. It sounded like something out of a movie! It’s important to remember that this story is telling us what happened in this situation, but it isn’t telling us that it is something we should do. The Old Testament tells us about a lot of battles and wars that happened. God used these battles to protect His people or to punish people who were against Him. Those are God’s decisions, not ours. God calls us to love others and to treat others kindly. Proverbs 3:31 says: Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways. All violence is a result of living in a world broken by sin. It is not what God designed for us. One day, Jesus will return and make this whole world new again. There will be no fighting or violence or pain. Until then, we can seek God’s help when we are afraid of violence around us. If something violent is happening to you, that is not okay or what God wants for you. Talk to an adult you trust.