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A few years ago, several fifth graders were given the opportunity to answer the question, “What do I know about God?”

After reading their answers you may discover these fifth graders know a lot about God and a lot about life and faith.

When the world around us seems to be falling apart, sometimes it is best to hear a different perspective. Maybe, we need to listen more closely to our children.

Aidan: “I have been going to this church since I was born, and I have loved this church from beginning to end. I am here today to tell you guys what I know about God, but first, if you’re wondering why I’m telling you and not one of the pastors, it’s because adults make things so complicated. Now that I am in fifth grade, I keep going to church to learn about God. I plan to go to this church for a long part of my life, and I know my church family can teach me a lot more about God.”

“The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.” Proverbs 23:24

Madison: “I was baptized in an almost empty sanctuary after a big snowstorm. My favorite time at church was when I got to help my mom and dad teach my brother’s first-grade Sunday School about God and Jesus. I learned a lot too. What I learned most was that God loves me and everyone else too. He shows his love in many ways. From learning about God’s love, we also learned that we should love each other like God loves us. His greatest commandment is found in Mark 12:31, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than this.’”

Madison also wrote a Haiku. “Remember people, God is love. He loves you all. Show love to everyone!”

Alivia: “I also know that God protects us and has a plan for us. God is real. I know this because He has helped me through tough times in my life. As some of you know, my sister Alex had some heart problems around Easter two years ago. When it was decided that she needed to have a procedure to repair her irregular heartbeat, I was scared and did not know what to do. I was nervous and more than a little scared. I asked God to be with Alex and to help her doctor. It seemed like a long time but when my mom called and said that Alex was OK, I was about to cry but I held it together. That night I thanked God for being with my sister and for helping her doctor do his job. Alex no longer sees the doctor for her heart. She is back to her annoying self always trying to tell me what to do.”

“God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Rebecca: “God loves us very much. He will always love us. There is nothing I can do to make God quit loving me. That is so cool! Did you know that there is nothing you can do that will make Him stop loving you? That makes me feel good and loved and safe. God loves us so much that He gave up His only son, Jesus. We all make mistakes, but when we mess up, we just tell God we are sorry and ask God for forgiveness – and he will forgive us. He loves me so much that it makes me try to do better. Just like he forgives us, he wants us to forgive others when they hurt us. That’s very hard to do but God will help us. When I think about lessons I have learned about God, I think the most important lesson is that God loves us and wants us to do the same for others.”

“The children of your people will live in security. Their children’s children will thrive in your presence.” Psalm 102:28

Julia: “What I know about God is that he can make miracles happen. God answers your prayer and God has a purpose for everything even if we don’t understand. I know these things are true because I have a friend who was diagnosed with cancer. When I found out she was sick I began to pray for her every night and I still do. God heard me and answered my prayers. My friend is healthy and doing well.”

“Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” Luke 18:16

Jackson: “I have two animals at my house, one dog and one old cat. They are both nice blessings from God. Night after night I prayed for a dog. My parents did not want a dog, but I knew God wanted to give me one. One day a friend of my mom called. She was desperate to find a home for a puppy. Mom and dad decided to take her. The dog was already named, Gracie. I think she was named for Jesus’ grace, and proves she was a gift from God. Grace and I share something in common. She was born on the exact same day as I was!”

“Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation.” Joel 1:3

Kaitlyn: “God watches us every day. He helps me when I struggle in math. God will always listen. He forgives us for all the bad things that we do. He is a loving God. He loves us all.”

“May the lord richly bless both you and your children.” Psalm 115:14

REV. LARRY E. DAVIES can be reached at larrydavies@vaumc.org.