By Alice
Contents
- Jesus changes the “inside” first—new thoughts, new choices, new habits (Colossians 3:5–17).
- Put off what hurts others (anger, lies, selfishness) and put on what looks like Jesus (kindness, patience, love).
- Forgiveness is the family superpower: it heals hearts and keeps love moving.
- Peace + gratitude help your home feel steady when feelings get wiggly.
Hiya, friend! I have a heart-story to share with you today — and it begins with sprinkles, cinnamon rolls, and something super sparkly from Jesus.
Yesterday morning smelled like hugs and sugar. Yaya’s kitchen was bursting with cinnamon swirls, Bash was sneaking crumbs, and Ariel was humming Christmas songs while brushing glitter glue onto our “New Life” craft. Mommy said the cinnamon rolls were “just a treat,” but I’m pretty sure they were a celebration — like when Jesus makes our hearts brand new and full of yummy hope.
I asked Mr. Fluffernutter, “If hearts had closets, do you think Jesus would clean them out like a spring fairy and fill them with light?” He nodded. (He always nods at good theology.) Then I whispered, “Let’s write a story about what it feels like when Jesus moves in and gives us new hearts.”
Because guess what? That’s exactly what He does. Jesus doesn’t just give hugs or miracles. He gently takes the messy stuff — the grumbles, the frowns, the selfish-no-sharing moments — and turns them into something soft and glowing. Like marshmallow hearts with kindness sprinkles!
Download the Family Study PDF
Ready-to-use discussion prompts, journaling space, and kid-friendly reflection for Colossians 3:5–17.
This story is about that kind of change — the kind only Jesus can do. It’s about how we get to live a whole new life when we follow Him. Not just with fancier crafts or cleaner rooms (though those help), but with hearts that love bigger, forgive faster, and dance when someone else gets the last cookie.
So come with me! I’ll show you what it means to let Jesus turn your heart into a home full of His love — one joyful jellybean at a time. 🐰💖✨
TL;DR
Colossians 3:5–17 teaches families to “take off” old sinful habits and “put on” Jesus-like virtues—kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love. When Jesus transforms our hearts, our home starts sounding calmer, our choices get kinder, and gratitude becomes our default.
🌻 Saying Goodbye to the Old Self (and Hello to God’s Sparkly Grace)
You know that yucky feeling when your socks are soggy and your shirt smells like old spaghetti? That’s kind of what sin feels like on our hearts. But guess what — Jesus doesn’t want us stuck in the stinky stuff! He gives us something way better. A fresh, clean heart!
In the Bible, Paul writes:
Colossians 3:5 (KJV)
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Now don’t worry — “mortify” doesn’t mean we turn into mummies. Daddy said it means “put to death,” like waving goodbye to the old stuff that doesn’t belong anymore.
👨👧 A Real Talk with Daddy and Yaya
Ariel asked, “So, does that mean we stop doing bad things, like lying or being selfish?” and Daddy nodded, saying, “Exactly. When we follow Jesus, we let go of the things that pull us away from Him. It’s not always easy, but it’s how we grow closer to God.”
Then Yaya, with her wise-eyes-on and her hot tea, added, “Covetousness is when we want things more than we want God. That’s why Paul calls it idolatry. But Jesus sets us free from all that! We don’t need to chase shiny stuff when we already have His love — and that’s better than anything else.”
🐛 From Caterpillars to Kingdom Kids
When I heard that, I imagined a caterpillar saying, “Bye-bye, wiggly crawling,” and stepping into the sky with sparkly wings! That’s how Jesus transforms our hearts. He takes our old messy ways and gives us wings made of kindness, patience, and big bubbly love.
Putting off our old self is like tossing away muddy play clothes and slipping into a royal robe — the kind Jesus picked out just for us! And guess what? We get to wear it every day when we choose to live in His love.
🕊️ Letting Jesus Lead the Way
When we live in Christ’s light, our hearts don’t have to carry guilt or gloom anymore. We can shine with compassion, forgiveness, and joy — like lanterns showing the way for others to find Him too.
So, if someone asked, “What does it mean to live a new life in Jesus?” I’d say:
“It means your heart gets cleaned, your spirit gets brave, and your bunny gets extra sparkly adventures! Jesus makes all things new — especially the parts of us that feel broken or forgotten.” 🐰💫
💭 Family Wonder Questions
- If Jesus gave your heart a brand-new outfit, what would it look like?
- Can you think of something God helped you stop doing so you could love others better?
- What’s one “old self” habit you can say goodbye to today?
Fun Fact
Paul uses “put off / put on” language like changing clothes. The point isn’t pretending—it’s practicing new habits until they feel natural, like a comfy hoodie you actually want to wear.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Q: Does “putting off the old self” mean kids have to be perfect?
A: Nope. It means we notice what’s not loving, tell the truth about it, ask Jesus for help, and practice better choices—again and again.
👗 Dressing Up in Jesus’ Love: Putting On Christlike Virtues
Have you ever played dress-up and picked the sparkliest outfit with the biggest bow and the fluffiest slippers? Well, guess what — the Bible says we get to dress up every day… in something even better than sequins or capes!
Paul writes:
Colossians 3:12 (KJV)
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”
That verse is like God’s special fashion guide — not for our closets, but for our hearts!
💞 What Are Christlike Virtues, Anyway?
When Ariel asked, “What does it mean to put on kindness and patience?” Daddy said, “It means choosing to act in ways that reflect Jesus’ love. It’s like wearing a uniform that shows who we belong to.”
I imagined Jesus handing me a super-soft robe made of grace, with buttons shaped like mercy, and rainbow threads of humility. (Yes — I totally added sparkles. Fluffernutter insisted.)
Yaya leaned in and added, “Love is what ties all those virtues together. When we love others, it’s easier to be kind, patient, and humble — because love changes how we see everything.”
That made me sit really still and whisper, “Wow…”
✨ Every Morning is a New Dressing-Up Day
Sometimes, showing love is harder than remembering to brush my teeth (and I never remember that the first time). Especially when someone’s loud or crabby or takes the last cinnamon roll. But Jesus gives us super-strength — the kind that helps us be kind even when we don’t feel like it.
Heart-Armor: What “Putting On Virtues” Can Look Like
Wearing Christlike virtues is like putting on heart-armor:
- 💗 Mercy mittens for gentle hands
- 🌱 Patience boots that help us slow our stompy steps
- 👑 Humility hats that remind us it’s okay to let others go first
- 💫 Kindness cloaks that wrap around everyone we meet
When we put these on, we shine like walking love-lanterns, lighting the way for others to feel Jesus near them too!
“Every act of kindness is like wearing a piece of Jesus’ heart — and it looks beautiful on you.” 🐰
💬 Family Wonder Questions
- How do you think love helps all the other virtues work better together?
- If your heart had a closet, what virtue would you wear today?
- When is it hardest to be patient or kind? What helps you try again?
Activity: The “Virtue Outfit” Challenge
A 5-minute family activity that turns Colossians 3 into a practical plan.
- Write: On paper, list five virtues: compassion, kindness, humility, patience, love.
- Pick: Each person circles ONE virtue to “wear” today.
- Plan: Write a tiny action: “I will be patient while waiting,” “I will say one encouraging sentence,” etc.
- Report: After dinner (or bedtime), share one moment you wore it well.
- Pray: Ask Jesus to help your family keep choosing love tomorrow.
Optional printable boost: Open the worksheet image and let kids fill it in like a mini mission sheet.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Q: What if I try to be patient… and I fail in five seconds?
A: That still counts as learning. Say sorry, reset, and try again. New-life living is practice, not performance.
🌟 Living in Peace and Gratitude (Even on Grape Jelly Days)
Have you ever had a grape jelly day? You know — when your toast falls jelly-side-down, your favorite crayon snaps in half, and your sister accidentally uses your stickers for her math notebook?
Yeah. Me too.
But then Daddy read us this verse at breakfast (before I rescued Fluffernutter from a syrup puddle):
Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
☁️ What Does It Mean to Let Peace “Rule”?
I scrunched up my nose and asked, “Rule? Like, does peace wear a crown and sit on a throne in your chest?”
Ariel asked too (but hers sounded more grown-up): “What does it mean to let peace rule our hearts?”
Daddy smiled and said, “It means letting God’s peace lead the way — like a gentle king who helps us make good choices, even when life feels wild.”
That made me imagine a sparkly crown with the word TRUST written in jellybean jewels.
🧁 Peace + Gratitude = God’s Secret Recipe
Yaya added her soft voice to the table and said, “When we’re thankful, it shows we trust God. Even when things don’t go our way, we can still say thank you — because we know He’s with us.”
My “Peace + Gratitude” Heart Recipe
And just like that, my brain turned into a happy pie chart:
- 🕊️ Peace helps me breathe when I feel stormy inside
- 💗 Gratitude helps me see all the good things I forget to notice
- 🧁 Together, they make my heart a cozy kitchen for Jesus-love
Instead of grumping about missing crayons, I started thanking God for cereal, for Bash’s waggy tail, and for Ariel (even when she uses my stickers without asking… sometimes).
✨ Shining Our Peace-Light in the World
When we let God’s peace rule and wear thankfulness like a cozy sweater, it changes everything. It changes how we talk to each other. It changes how we forgive. And it makes our homes feel like sunshine, even when the sky outside is gray and grumbly.
And the best part? That light doesn’t just stay in us — it spreads. It zooms to our families, our friends, our neighbors — even the grumpy man at the grocery store who never smiles (but might if we offer him a kindness sticker).
“Peace rules best when we let Jesus sit on the throne of our hearts — and gratitude is the song we sing to Him every day.” 🎶🐰
💬 Family Wonder Questions
- How can we help others feel God’s peace and love this week?
- What does peace feel like in your heart when you’re sad or frustrated?
- Can you name three things you’re thankful for today — even small ones?
Fun Fact
“Rule” in Colossians 3:15 can carry the idea of an umpire/referee deciding what wins. Peace doesn’t erase choices—it guides them.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Q: How can peace “rule” when siblings are arguing?
A: Peace shows up as a pause: stop, breathe, lower your voice, and choose words that fix the problem instead of growing it.
🎨 Alice’s Faith Challenge! (A Super Sparkly Way to Live in Christ!)
Okay, friend — are you ready to live your new life in Jesus this week? Because I’ve got a challenge that’s bursting with color, kindness, and holy wow-ness!
🙏 Start Each Day with a Jesus Hello
Before your toes even hit the floor, whisper a prayer like,
“Jesus, thank You for today! Please help me walk in Your love.”
Think about what you want to do differently — maybe you want to be more patient with your little brother (even when he steals your toast). Then smile, because every day is a fresh start in your new life with Christ!
💌 Let Go of the Old Stuff (Like Grumps and Grumbles)
Ask yourself: What’s one old behavior I want to toss out like moldy crackers?
Mine was whining. (I’m really good at it… but Jesus is better at helping me stop.)
Write that yucky habit down and say:
“Jesus, please help me trade this for something shiny and good — like kindness or patience!”
Then imagine yourself making better choices — like offering your seat to a friend or waiting patiently instead of growling like a tiny lion. Each time you make a better choice, do a little “thank You, Jesus!” dance!
“Jesus transforms our hearts one kind choice at a time.” 🌈🐰
🧦 Clothe Yourself in Jesus-Virtues (No Laundry Required!)
Heavenly Heart-Clothes List
Paul gave us a list of heavenly heart-clothes:
- 💕 Compassion
- 🌟 Kindness
- 🌻 Humility
- ⏳ Patience
- 💗 Love
Pick one each day! Maybe Tuesday is Kindness Cape Day or Thursday is Humility Hat Day.
Try Your Virtue Out Loud (Tiny Practice Ideas)
Try extra hard to live that virtue out loud:
- Give a compliment
- Help a sibling with chores (even the gross ones)
- Say sorry first (even if you only spilled a teeny bit)
- Ask, “What would it look like to wear this virtue all day long?”
🎨 Make a “New Life in Christ” Poster
Ooooh, this part is my favorite! Gather your glue sticks, glitter, crayons, and markers!
At the top, write:
“Christ Transforms My Heart” in BIG bubble letters.
Poster Party Decorating Ideas
Then decorate it like it’s your faith’s birthday party:
- Butterflies for growth 🦋
- Flowers for new beginnings 🌸
- Hearts and doves for love and peace 💖🕊️
- Verses like Colossians 3:12–15 to remind you who you are in Jesus!
Mine says:
“Love Ties Everything Together!” in sparkly red with golden sunbeams all around it. Mr. Fluffernutter said it looked “theologically radiant.”
What will yours look like?
🕊️ Faith Wonder Questions for You
- How can your poster be a reminder of the new life you’re growing into with God’s help?
- What’s one thing you want Jesus to help you leave behind this week?
- Which Christlike virtue feels most exciting (or most challenging) to wear today?
Fun Fact
Colossians 3 doesn’t just list “don’ts.” It gives “do’s” that build a better family culture—because love needs a plan, not just a vibe.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Q: What’s the easiest “new life” habit for little kids to start with?
A: One kind sentence per day. Kind words are small, but they change the whole room.
🌸 The Best Reminder (Hint: It’s Jesus’ Superpower Love)
Before Bible time was over, Yaya shared one of her story-jewels — the kind that makes everyone go really quiet, even Bash. She said, in her soft-tea-and-truth voice:
“I remembered how much Jesus had forgiven me, and it gave me the strength to forgive. His love changes everything.”
And suddenly, my heart felt like someone had sprinkled warm marshmallows all over it. Because forgiveness? That’s big stuff.
💔 When Hearts Hurt… and Still Choose Love
Yaya told us how someone had hurt her feelings a long time ago — and how, for a while, it made her heart feel like it was wearing too-tight shoes. But then she remembered all the ways Jesus forgave her, and she chose to forgive too. Even though it was hard.
Daddy said, “Jesus doesn’t just tell us to change — He gives us the power to do it.”
And I thought: Whoa. That means His love is like a superhero cape wrapped around your heart — helping you do hard things with softness.
“Jesus’ love isn’t just big — it’s transforming. It takes yucky stuff and makes it beautiful.” 🕊️
🧽 Scrubbing Bitterness Off Our Hearts
Sometimes, I hold on to tiny grudges (like when Ariel eats the last marshmallow or moves my stuffy castle). But Jesus teaches us to let go — not because what happened didn’t matter, but because love matters more.
Forgiveness is like taking off heavy boots and putting on trampoline shoes. It’s freedom. And that freedom brings peace — the kind that bubbles up inside you like a happy giggle.
When we forgive, we reflect Jesus — like mirrors made of mercy.
💛 Why Forgiveness Changes Everything
Jesus doesn’t ask us to be perfect, but He does ask us to be loving. And when we forgive, when we choose grace over grumpiness, our hearts grow softer, wider, and shinier.
So if someone’s ever hurt your feelings, here’s a secret:
You don’t have to carry it forever.
You can give it to Jesus, and let Him trade it for something way better — peace, kindness, and a love so big it spills onto everyone around you.
💬 Family Wonder Questions
- What would it look like if your whole family practiced forgiveness together this week?
- Has someone ever hurt your heart? What did you learn when you chose to forgive?
- How does remembering Jesus’ forgiveness help us forgive others?
Fun Fact
“Charity” in the KJV is love in action—love that moves first, forgives first, and repairs relationships instead of keeping score.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Q: What if someone says sorry but keeps doing the same wrong thing?
A: Forgiveness can be real AND boundaries can be wise. Keep loving, keep praying, and ask a trusted adult for help making a safe plan.
💕 Let’s Put On Love (and Maybe Bunny Hugs Too!)
Okay, sweet friend — are you ready?
Let’s zip up our kindness jackets. Let’s tie on our patience shoes. Let’s sprinkle love like confetti wherever we go — because that’s what living in Jesus’ love looks like!
Every word you say…
Every snack you share…
Every grumble you pause…
Is a moment to reflect Jesus.
Colossians 3:14 (KJV)
“Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
When we act like Jesus — with kindness, forgiveness, and love — we don’t just feel different on the inside. We shine. And that shine helps other people find their way to His peace too!
“Tiny acts of love can sparkle like stars in someone else’s cloudy day.” 🐰🌟
🌼 Shine His Light in Small, Sweet Ways
Sometimes living like Jesus means big choices — like forgiving someone who hurt your heart.
Little Ways Love Shows Up
But most of the time, it’s made of little things:
- Smiling first
- Saying “thank you”
- Sharing the last bite (even if it’s chocolate!)
- Listening when someone’s having a hard day
Each little action is like a teeny glowing window into God’s heart.
🌟 We Can All Wear Love Today
So let’s practice being living reminders of His grace — at school, at home, even when we’re hangry.
When we walk in love, the world changes… even just a little. Like when a flower pops up through a sidewalk crack or a quiet friend finally laughs.
Together, we can help love grow everywhere we go.
Love always,
Alice (and Mr. Fluffernutter!) 🐰💕
P.S. Fluffernutter says,
“Putting on love feels as cozy as a bunny hug—and just as warm!” 🥕💖
So don’t forget — one little act of love can light up someone’s whole day!
Keep Exploring (Family-Safe Reading)
- Jesus and the Living Water (Alice)
- Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (Alice)
- Living to Please God: Love, Holiness, and Diligence
Tip: add one “Keep Exploring” link under each Step for stronger internal linking + longer sessions.
Quick Check Quiz
No stress. Just a quick brain-hug to help truth stick.
Compare & Discern
| Moment | “Old Self” Move | “New Life” Move (Colossians 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Someone annoys you | Snap, insult, escalate | Patience + gentleness (pause, speak calmly) |
| You mess up | Hide it, blame it | Truth + humility (own it, repair it) |
| You want what someone has | Jealousy, coveting | Gratitude (thank God, celebrate others) |
| Conflict at home | Keep score, hold grudges | Forgiveness + love (restart, rebuild trust) |
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Mortify | To stop feeding a sinful habit; to put it to death so it doesn’t control you. |
| Virtue | A strong good habit—like kindness or patience—that helps you love well. |
| Forgiveness | Letting go of revenge and choosing love, even when someone hurt you. |
| Gratitude | Thankfulness that trains your heart to notice God’s gifts. |
| Charity | (KJV) Love in action—love that shows up, helps, and holds people together. |
References
| Citation | Link |
|---|---|
| Blogging4Adventure — Jesus and the Living Water | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Healing at the Pool of Bethesda | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Living to Please God | Open |
| BibleGateway — Colossians 3:5–17 (KJV) | Open |
| Enduring Word — Commentary on Colossians 3 | Open |
| GotQuestions — Put off the old man | Open |
Practice & Pray
Recap: Put off what hurts love. Put on what looks like Jesus. Let peace guide your words. Choose gratitude. Forgive like you’ve been forgiven.
Simple family prayer: “Jesus, thank You for making us new. Help our words be kind, our hearts be forgiving, and our home be full of Your peace. Amen.”
Alice — Kid Author & Heart-Helper
Homeschool writer at Blogging4Adventure who turns Bible passages into family-friendly steps, crafts, and challenges. Posts reviewed by Mom & Dad for accuracy and safety; Scripture cross-checked with trusted study tools and kid-safe resources.
FAQ
What does “put off the old self” mean in kid language?
It means stopping habits that hurt love—like lying, cruel words, or selfish choices—and asking Jesus to help you practice better ones.
What’s the best first virtue to practice as a family?
Kindness. Start with one kind sentence each day. Small kindness makes a home feel safer fast.
How does forgiveness fit into “living a new life”?
Forgiveness is love in action. It repairs relationships and keeps hearts from getting stuck in bitterness.
Any printable helps for this lesson?
Yes—download the Family Study PDF and use the worksheet + coloring page to practice “put off / put on” as a real-life challenge.