Obeying and listening go hand in hand, and the Bible has plenty to say about both. Here are four short verses about obeying God — and really listening — straight from the World English Bible, that you can read and talk about together.
Looking for more ways to talk with your kids about faith and character? Visit our page for parents for more conversation starters.
1. Obedience Over Sacrifice
"Samuel said, 'Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying Yahweh's voice? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22)
Talk about it: Why do you think God cares more about us obeying than about big gifts or promises?
2. Love Shows Up as Obedience
"If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
Talk about it: What is one way you can show love for God by the choices you make today?
3. Children, Obey Your Parents
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1)
Talk about it: Can you think of a time it was hard to obey, but you did it anyway?
4. Doing What We Hear
"But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves." (James 1:22)
Talk about it: What is something you've learned from the Bible that you could actually do this week?
Read stories about obedience and listening together
Isla Obeys with Joy
Lesson: Obedience and trust
Isla Obeys with Joy is built around the lesson of obedience and trust, a great next read after talking through these verses.
Toby and the Talking Tree
Lesson: Listening and patience
Toby and the Talking Tree is built around the lesson of listening and patience, a natural pairing with these verses on obeying and hearing.
See how these lessons connect in our Children's Books That Teach Kindness, Courage, and Honesty roundup.
Free printable: Lilly's Animal Crossword Adventures, a 20-puzzle animal crossword pack, is in our free printable pack.
Little Lamb Studios creates faith-based books, songs, and animated stories that help children grow in faith, courage, and kindness.