Devotion for Kids

Why do countries fight wars with each other?

"From whence come wars & fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, & have not: ye kill, & desire to have, & cannot obtain: ye fight & war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not".
James 4 : 1-2

A war is fought when countries disagree and can't work out their problems by talking together. Sometimes, a war will begin when both countries want the same thing, like a certain piece of land. Instead of talking it out, they fight. Other times, a war will begin when one country wants to take over another country.

Many wars could be avoided if everyone followed God's instructions for loving and getting along with others. If you choose to love God and others, you can prevent fights in your life and make the world a little more peaceful.

ACTIVITY
Get your parent's permission before doing this activity. Go outside with a friend, each taking a can of soda pop. Decide which of you is "It". Shake up your cans as you name things that make you mad. Now "It" takes his or her can, points it away from both you, and opens it. What a mess! You can clean it up with damp paper towels. Ask each other what happens when you yell and hit before you think. Are you like an exploding can? Now slowly count to 30. Have the other person open his or her can. It didn't explode, did it? How is this like thinking before you get angry?

Betsy Elliot