James 2 challenges us to treat everyone fairly and to let our faith show in what we do. These five activities help children explore favouritism, faith, and action — through visual illustrations, movement games, and a take-home reminder.

Best suited for: ages 6–11.

1. The Lenses of Favouritism

Activity · James 2:1–9

You will need: a pair of sunglasses or a cardboard glasses frame; labels reading “Popular,” “Rich,” “Shy,” “New to the Group,” “Talented,” and “Different.”

Choose several volunteers and place one label on the back of each child. One child puts on the “Lenses of Favouritism” and arranges the volunteers in order, from “the person I would choose first” to “the person I would choose last.”

Then ask:

• What criteria did you use?
• What criteria does God use?

At the end, remove the glasses and say: “When we look at people through the lenses of favouritism, we do not see them the way God sees them.”

2. Faith or Decoration?

Activity · James 2:14–26

You will need: a beautifully wrapped gift box that is empty; a plain box containing something valuable.

Show the children both boxes and ask: “Which one would you choose?”

After they answer, open the boxes and explain: “A faith that sounds good but does nothing is like a beautifully wrapped gift that is empty inside.”

Children rarely forget this visual illustration.

3. The Bridge of Faith

Activity · James 2:17

You will need: sheets of A4 paper; tape.

Write “I Believe” on one side of the room, and “I Live What I Believe” on the opposite side. The children build a bridge out of the sheets of paper between the two points.

Rule: they may not cross the bridge until they name one concrete action that demonstrates their faith, such as:

• forgiveness;
• encouragement;
• helping others;
• prayer;
• generosity.

Key message: “Faith without actions cannot bridge the gap between what we say we believe and how we actually live.”

4. Influencer or Disciple?

Game for ages 11–14

You will need: two signs — INFLUENCER and DISCIPLE.

Read different statements aloud, and the children run to the sign that represents the right choice.

For example:

• You only talk to the popular kids.
• You invite the new student into your group.
• You only help people who can help you in return.
• You treat everyone with respect.
• You post Bible verses online but speak harshly to your brother or sister.
• You apologise when you make a mistake.

After each choice, ask: “What would James say about this?”

This works well for this age group because it encourages movement, critical thinking, and meaningful discussion.

5. Take-Home Token

Activity to take home

Give each child a paper bracelet and ask them to write: “My faith is visible through ______.”

They fill in the blank themselves and wear the bracelet throughout the week as a reminder of the lesson from James 2.

(Image:Adobe Express)