Week 2 June: The Lord Looketh on the Heart

 

Week 2 June: The Lord Looketh on the Heart

1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–16

Saul was a keeper of donkeys. Though tall and handsome, he was “little in [his] own sight” and self-conscious about his family heritage (1 Samuel 9:2–3, 21; 15:17). On the day he was to be presented before Israel as their king, he “hid himself” (1 Samuel 10:21). Looking at Saul, you might not have guessed that he would lead the Israelites to victory—or later become prideful and rebel against the Lord.

David, a keeper of sheep, wasn’t physically impressive like his older brothers. When Samuel came to choose a new king, David was left out in the fields. Yet he had the faith and courage to defeat a giant and become Israel’s most successful king.

The Lord sees past appearances, labels, and insecurities. He looks “on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). And even when our hearts aren’t perfect, He can give us “another heart” (1 Samuel 10:9).

Teaching Ideas for Families

1. Jesus Christ is My King
Read 1 Samuel 8. Talk about the Israelites’ desire for a king and the Lord’s response. Discuss why it is better to have Jesus Christ as our King than an earthly ruler.

Activity idea: Make a paper crown. Take turns wearing it and sharing one way you can show Jesus is your King in your life.

2. People Are Called by God
Read 1 Samuel 9–10 and 16:1–13. Discuss how Saul and David were called to serve by prophecy. Compare this to how people are called to serve in the Church today.

Activity idea: Write events from the stories on strips of paper. Children place them in the correct order as you read. Then discuss times you’ve felt blessed to serve or help others.

3. The Lord Looks on the Heart
Read 1 Samuel 16:1–13. Talk about how the Lord looks on the heart rather than outward appearances. Discuss times when you may have judged something or someone by appearance.

Activity idea: Show food, a book, or an object with a misleading wrapper or cover. Discuss how appearances can be deceiving. Share experiences of seeing the good qualities in others’ hearts.

Preschool Add-On

Letter of the Week: D for David
Number: 7 (David was the youngest of 7 brothers)
Shape: Star (to represent kingship)
Color: Gold (symbolizing value and worth)

Sight Words: I, can, see, God

Tracing Sentences:
I can see God.
God looks on my heart.

Math Connection:
Count David’s brothers (7). Line up 7 small objects and practice addition: 3 sheep + 4 more = 7.

Reading Connection:
Read a short story about looking beyond appearances. Pause to ask, “What would David do?” or “What would Saul do?”

Craft Idea:
Make “Heart Glasses.” Cut out heart shapes, attach with paper strips, and wear them while looking at objects or pictures. Talk about seeing others with love, like the Lord does.

Early Elementary Add-On

Reading & Writing Extension:
Write a journal entry: “One Time I Saw the Good in Someone’s Heart.” Encourage children to describe what they noticed and how it made them feel.

Math Connection:
Create “King’s Counters.” Draw 10 crowns and number them 1–10. Use them to practice addition and subtraction:

  • 10 crowns − 3 are given away = 7 left.

  • 4 crowns + 2 more = 6 total.

Art or Reflection Project:
Make a “Heart Map.” Draw a large heart and write examples of good qualities in yourself and others (kindness, honesty, faith, courage). Color it gold to remind your child that the Lord values hearts more than appearances.

Family Thought:
The Lord doesn’t focus on our looks, talents, or past mistakes. He looks on the heart. By seeing others with love and doing what is right, we can reflect His perspective in our families, friendships, and daily life.

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