20-Aug-23 (Matthew 15:10-28)

Do you know what kinds of food are good for you and what kinds of food aren't as good?. [Let them talk about that for a little]
In Jesus' time people were also concerned about eating right. There were even rules for them about what they should eat and what they shouldn't. But as important as eating right is, Jesus said that what goes into your mouth isn't nearly as important as what you say and do.
Have you ever been angry at someone and said something you wish you hadn't said? It's like that. Sometimes what comes out of our mouths tells us that we really aren't as good as we'd like to be. Jesus wants to help us to be the kind of people that love other people and help them and part of that is working with us to say and to do the right things.
Let's talk to God about that.

God, we do want to take good care or ourselves, but we also want to be the kind of people that have good words and good actions come out of us, even when we're mad. We thank you that Jesus shows us how to speak and to act in ways that are helpful to others. Help us to grow kinder and more generous inside so that we can help others. And, when we see other people having trouble with what they say and do, help us to help them to be better instead of just saying mean things about them.
We pray in Jesus' name.
AMEN.