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). For what purpose was this ball made? (to hit golf clubs and go into a hole). You and I were also created for a purpose and that purpose is to know God in a special way and to love Him.
This ball did not come about by chance. A lot of study and work went into making this ball so that it flies as far as possible. The base material (which you can’t see through) is designed to be the right size, shape, and weight so that it can be hit long distances. Some are also designed to give the ball more spin to give the good golfer more control. The cover material must be properly designed as well. It should be smooth enough so that there is less friction as the ball moves through the air and firm enough to take hits from golf clubs. Even the number, size and shape of the dimples in the ball have been meticulously studied. They even have a specific purpose.
You and I did not come by chance either. God’s Word in Genesis 1 makes it clear that He created us. He didn’t make us just to do something; He had a reason. He wants you and I to get to know him in a special way and learn to truly 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 went into the making of this ball, all with one basic purpose; That a golfer can hit the ball as far as possible without it breaking. You and I were also created for the purpose of knowing God in a special way and learning to love Him. You begin to fulfill this purpose when you believe in the Lord Jesus as your Savior from sin. (Share the gospel message.)
Once you believe in Jesus, this is just the beginning. To learn to love God, you need to know Him. And the way to do that is to take some time each day to pray, read, and study the Bible and make it a part of your daily life. In 1 John 4, God tells us that we need to love one another because love comes from God. Since He loves us, we must pass this love on to others. when you 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.