“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt.”
— Exodus 20:2 (NIV)
God loved His people very much. They had been slaves in Egypt, and God set them free. He led them safely through the desert, all the way to a big mountain called Mount Sinai.
The mountain was covered in clouds, and it shook and rumbled. But God was not angry. He had something good to give His people, because He wanted them to know how to live.
God called Moses to come up the mountain. Moses climbed up to be close to God, and God gave him ten special rules — gifts to help His people love Him and love each other.
“Love God most of all,” God said. “Use My name kindly. Rest one day every week. Honor your mom and dad. Don’t hurt others, don’t take what isn’t yours, and always tell the truth.”
These rules were like a warm fence around a playground. They were not there to make people sad. They were there to keep everyone safe and happy, because God loved them.
Moses brought the Ten Commandments down the mountain to share with everyone. And God’s good rules still help us today to love God and to love the people all around us.
The Big Idea
God’s rules are a gift because He loves us. They help us love God most of all and be kind to others.
Reflect & Discuss
- 1.Where did God call Moses to go to get the Ten Commandments?
- 2.Why do you think God gave His people good rules?
- 3.What is one way you can show love to God and to others today?
A Prayer
Dear God, thank You for loving me and for giving me good rules to follow. Help me to love You most of all and to be kind to everyone around me. Amen.
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