Sanctity of Life

Topic: Christian Living • Subject: Christian Religious Education (for age 11, Kenya)

1. What the Bible teaches

• God made people in His image (Genesis 1:27). This makes each person special.
• Psalm 139:13–14 says God formed us in our mother’s body — we are wonderfully made.
• One of the Ten Commandments teaches respect for life: “Do not kill.” (simple meaning for children)

2. Why the sanctity of life matters

If life is sacred, we must not harm others. We should care for the sick, protect babies, respect the elderly, and help those in danger. In Kenya, schools, families and communities teach children to value life.

3. How we show respect for life (easy actions)

• Be kind to everyone — classmates, neighbours, and strangers.
• Help those who are sick: visit, pray, or tell a teacher/parent.
• Keep ourselves safe: wear school shoes, look both ways before crossing the road, and follow road safety rules.
• Stop bullying and tell an adult if someone is being hurt.
• Respect the elderly and children — they deserve care and protection.

4. Kenya examples you can relate to

• When a child is lost, the community helps find them — this shows life is important.
• In church and school health days, people check children’s health because each child is precious.
• Road safety campaigns teach us to protect lives on busy roads like in towns (Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa).

5. Memory verse (learn by heart)

6. Short classroom activities

1. Draw a poster: Make a poster that says "Life is precious" and draw people of different ages.
2. Role play: In groups, act out helping someone who is hurt or scared and show what you would do.
3. Respect pledge: Each student writes one promise on how they will respect life this week (e.g., help a younger child, stop bullying).

7. Questions for class discussion

• Why is every person special to God?
• How can we help protect life at school or at home?
• What would you do if you saw someone being hurt or bullied?

8. Short prayer

Lord, thank you for making us. Help us to love and protect others. Teach us to be kind and to stand up for people who need help. Amen.

Teacher note: Use local stories or news (age-appropriate) about kindness and rescue to help students relate. Encourage pupils to share how their families show that life is important.