This is an object lesson using a golf ball to share the gospel and teach children that if you really love God, you will show your love to others. The Bible verse used to reinforce the teaching is 1 John 4:7-11.

Lesson:

(Show the golf ball.) What was this ball made for? (Being hit by golf clubs and thrown into a hole.) You and I were also created for a purpose, and that purpose is to come to know God in a special way and to love him.

This ball did not come about by accident. A lot of study and work went into making this ball so that it would fly as far as possible. The core material (which you can’t see) was designed to be the right size, shape, and weight so that it can be hit at long distances. Some are also designed to give the ball more spin to give a good golfer more control. The material for the cover also had to be designed to perfection. It has to be soft enough so there is less friction as the ball moves through the air and strong enough to take hits from golf clubs. Even the number, size, and shape of the dimples on the ball have been thoroughly studied. They even have a specific purpose.

You and I did not arise by accident either. In Genesis 1, God’s Word 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 waste material in a golf ball. Every part has a plan and a purpose, even the parts you can’t see. Hours and hours of study and work have been invested in the elaboration of this ball, all with a basic purpose; so that the golfer can hit the ball as far as possible without breaking it. You and I were also created with a purpose, to know God in a special way and learn to love him. You begin to fulfill that purpose when you believe in the Lord Jesus as your Savior from sin. (Share the gospel message.)

Once you have believed in Jesus, that is just the beginning. To learn to love God, you have to know him. The way to do this is to take time each day to pray, read, and study the Bible and let him be a part of his daily life. In 1 John 4, God tells us that we are to love one another because love comes from God. Since he loves us, we must transmit that love to others. When he shows his love to others; your love for him will continue to grow. If you truly love God, you will show his love to others.