Subject: CRE (Christian Religious Education)
Topic: Preparing for the Coming of Jesus Christ
Subtopic: Compassion for the Needy
Learning goals (What you will learn):
  • Know what compassion means.
  • See why Jesus wants us to care for the needy.
  • Learn simple ways Kenyan children can help others.

What is compassion?

Compassion means feeling sorry for someone who is suffering and doing something to help. It is more than feeling sad — it is acting with love. Think of it as a warm heart that helps hands do good. ❤️

Bible verses to remember

Matthew 25:35-36 (easy idea):
"I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me..."
Luke 10:33-34 (Good Samaritan):
The Samaritan helped the hurt man when others did not. Jesus wants us to help people in need.

Why compassion helps us prepare for Jesus' coming

When Jesus returns, He will look at how we treated others. Showing love to people who are poor, sick, lonely or hungry is one way we obey Jesus and get ready for His coming. Being kind shows we follow Jesus' ways.

Examples of compassion in Kenya (simple and real)

  • Harambee: Neighbours coming together to help a family build a house or pay school fees.
  • Sharing food: Giving a bowl of ugali and sukuma wiki to someone who has no lunch.
  • Visiting the sick: Going with an adult to visit ailing neighbours in the village or hospital.
  • Supporting orphans: Helping children at the children’s home or giving school supplies.

How you can show compassion (easy actions for a 10-year-old)

At home
  • Help set the table and share food with a hungry cousin.
  • Give your clean clothes or toys you no longer use.
At school
  • Share an extra snack at break time.
  • Include a lonely child in your games.
In the community
  • Join church outreach with your parents (e.g., food distribution).
  • Help clean a neighbour’s yard or fetch water for an elderly person.

Short story (read aloud)

Wanjiku and the little boy

Wanjiku was walking to church and saw a small boy sitting beside the road. He had no shoes and looked hungry. Wanjiku gave him the small piece of mandazi she had and asked her mother if they could give the boy some soap and a shirt. The boy smiled and thanked them. Wanjiku felt happy because she had shared what she had. She learned that even small things can show Jesus' love.

Simple activities (for class or at home)

  1. Role-play: Act out the Good Samaritan with friends. Who helps and how?
  2. Care pack: With an adult, make a small pack (soap, toothbrush, socks) to give to someone in need.
  3. Draw and write: Make a card that says “God loves you” and draw people sharing food or clothes.

Memory verse (learn this!)

"I was hungry and you gave me food." — Matthew 25:35

Questions to think about (talk about in class or with family)

  • What is one kind thing you can do this week for someone who needs help?
  • Why do you think Jesus cares about the poor and sick?
  • How does helping others make you feel?

Short prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to see people who need help. Give me a kind heart and brave hands to help others. Teach me to share and love like you. Amen. 🙏
Tip for teachers/parents: Encourage children to act with an adult when helping others. Use local examples (harambee, church visits, helping neighbours) so children can practise compassion safely.

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