Grade 6 Christian Religious Education The Church – Christian Suffering Notes
Christian Religious Education — The Church
Subtopic: Christian Suffering
What is Christian suffering? 🤔
Christian suffering means going through hard times because we are followers of Jesus or because we live in a world that has pain. This may be sickness, being teased at school for faith, losing someone we love, or being poor.
Why do Christians suffer?
- The world is not perfect because of sin. Things break and people get hurt.
- Sometimes people are unkind to Christians because of their faith.
- God may allow hard things to help us grow closer to Him and to others.
What the Bible teaches (simple)
Jesus suffered but He trusted God. He told His followers that they might have troubles, but God is with them. (You can read about Jesus' suffering in the Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.)
Memory verse idea: "In this world you will have trouble. But be brave! I have beaten the world." (John 16:33, simple words)
How the Church helps
- Pray together and comfort people who are sad. 🙏
- Share food, money, or help with chores when someone is sick or poor. 🍞
- Teach God’s Word and give hope. 📖
- Visit the sick and elderly. 🧑⚕️
Good Kenyan examples
- Church members in the village sharing food when a family loses a parent.
- Young Christians praying together when they are mocked at school for going to church.
- Pastors and elders visiting families during hard times and helping them find hope.
How you can respond (for an 11-year-old)
- Pray — talk to God about your worries. He listens. 🙏
- Tell a trusted adult — parent, teacher, or church leader. They can help.
- Be kind — comfort friends who are sad. A small kind act is powerful. 💛
- Read a short Bible story about Jesus each day to feel close to God. 📖
- Join church activities — singing, Sunday school, or visiting neighbours. This builds strength and friendship.
Short activity (5–10 minutes)
Pair up. Each person tells one time they were sad. The other prays a short prayer and gives one kind idea to help. Then swap.
Questions to think about or discuss
- How does knowing Jesus suffered help you when you are sad?
- Who in our community can we help when they suffer?
- What is one thing you can do this week to comfort someone?
Short prayer you can say
"Dear God, thank you for being with me when things are hard. Help me to trust you and to help others. Amen." ✨