This is an object lesson using a golf ball to share the gospel and teach children that if you truly love God, you will show his love to others. The Bible verse used to reinforce the teaching is 1 John 4:7-11.
Lesson:
(Show the golf ball.) What purpose was this ball made for? (To be hit by golf clubs and knocked into a hole.) You and I were made for a purpose too and that purpose is to get to know God in a special way and to love him.
This ball did not come about by accident. Much study and work went into making this ball so it will fly as far as possible. The core material (which you can’t see) was designed to be just the right size, shape, and weight so that it could be hit for long distances. Some are also designed to give more spin to the ball to give a good golfer more control. The material for the cover had to be designed just right also. It has to be smooth enough so there will be less friction while the ball is moving through the air and hard enough to take hits by the golf clubs. Even the number, size, and shape of the dimples in the ball have been thoroughly studied. They even have a specific purpose.
You and I did not come about by accident either. In Genesis 1, God’s Word makes it clear that he created us. He didn’t make us just for something to do; he had a reason. He wants you and I to get to know him in a special way, and learn to really love him.
There is no wasted material in a golf ball. Every part has a plan and purpose, even the parts you can’t see. Hours and hours of study and work have gone into the making of this ball, all for one basic purpose; that the golfer can hit the ball as far as possible without it breaking. You and I were made for a purpose too, to know God in a special way and learn to love him. You start to fulfill that purpose when you believe on the Lord Jesus as your Savior from sin. (Share the gospel message.)
Once you have believed on Jesus, that’s just the beginning. In order to learn to love God, you have to get to know him. The way to do that is to spend time every day praying and reading and studying the Bible and let him be a part of your everyday life. In 1 John 4, God tells us we need to love one another because love comes from God. Since he loves us, we should pass that love on to others. When you to show his love to others; your love for him will continue to grow. If you truly love God, you will show his love to others.
