4Gs for Kids
Discipling Kids with Gospel Truths
Parent Introduction
You don’t need to wait until your child is older to help them grasp the Good News of Jesus in everyday life. The 4Gs give your family a simple, powerful way to talk about who God is and why that matters, especially when emotions run high or choices feel difficult.
The 4Gs for kids is an interactive, kid-friendly journey. Whether around the dinner table, during bedtime talks, or in moments of conflict, these truths help you and your kids remember who God is and what that means for how we live.
To explore the 4Gs of Gospel Fluency further, you can check out this PDF by Tim Chester who developed this tool, or purchase Tim Chester’s book called You Can Change, or you can pick up Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt. The 4Gs are covered in chapter 6.
Big Idea:
If we know who God is, we can trust Him, rest in Him, and follow Him—no matter what happens.
1. God is Great → So I don’t have to be in control
Biblical Foundation:
“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” — Psalm 147:5
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” — Psalm 103:19
Parent Help:
Kids of all ages try to control the world around them—what game they play, how their sibling behaves, what the outcome of a situation should be. However, control often stems from a deeper place: fear, frustration, or uncertainty about what will happen next.
This G helps our kids (and us) learn to surrender to a God who is truly in charge, without shaming their desire to have influence or feel secure. It reminds them that even when their world feels unpredictable, God is not thrown off. He is strong, steady, and never out of control.
For younger children, this truth resonates in moments of frustration and overstimulation. For older kids, it’s about navigating pressure, expectations, and the internal weight of trying to make everything work out.
Kid-Friendly Examples
Younger Child Example
“Remember when we got lost on the way to the park, and you started to worry? But Mom and Dad weren’t worried, because we had a map. That’s a bit like how God is. Even when we feel lost, God knows where we’re going.”
Older Child Example
“Remember when your group project wasn’t going the way you hoped, and you felt like you had to fix everything yourself so it didn’t fall apart? That was a lot to carry. But later, you realized you didn’t have to hold it all together alone. Sometimes we forget, but God never does. He’s the one holding the whole picture, even when we feel stuck in the middle of it.”
Suggested Parent Language:
God is great. That means He sees everything we don’t. He’s not surprised by the things that feel confusing or out of control to us. And because He’s great, we don’t have to try and control everything ourselves. We can trust Him to lead us.”
Sometimes we try really hard to fix things or make everything perfect. But the truth is, God is already holding the world, and He’s holding us too.
Kid Questions:
Let’s face it parents, in the moment, we’re not always great at saying what we want to say. Rather than always being reactive in our Gospeling language, let’s be proactive. In each of the following sections, we’ll offer you a few conversation starters to visit each of these 4Gs, so they become more natural to speak when things feel more out of control in any given moment.
When do you feel like you need to be in charge?
What happens when things don’t go the way you planned?
What would it feel like to stop trying to control everything and trust God instead?
Can you think of a time God helped you when you didn’t know what to do?
Reflection/Prayer:
“God, you are great. Even when things feel crazy or confusing, you are still in control. Help me trust you instead of trying to be the boss of everything.”
God is Glorious → So I Don’t Have to Fear Others
Scripture Anchor:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” — Psalm 27:1
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” — Proverbs 29:25
“We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:4
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31
Parent Help:
All kids, especially as they grow, want to belong. They want to be noticed, liked, and accepted. And when they feel rejected or unseen, it cuts deep. Whether it’s a friend not sitting with them at lunch or the pressure to fit in with trends, kids often carry unspoken fears about not being “enough.”
When we say God is glorious, we’re not just saying He’s majestic or bright like the sun (though He is). We're saying His opinion carries more weight than anyone else's. His glory outweighs the opinions of friends, classmates, teammates, and even parents. When our kids start to grasp this, they can breathe easier. They don’t have to live under the pressure of pleasing people when they know they’re already seen and known by the One who matters most.
Kid-Friendly Examples:
Younger Child Example
“Remember when you showed someone your drawing and they didn’t say anything nice? That made you feel a little small, didn’t it? But remember what we said later, God saw it, and He loves how He made you. He never forgets to speak love over you.”
Middle School Example
“Remember when you felt nervous to wear that shirt to school because you weren’t sure if your friends would think it was cool? You really liked it, but it felt risky. That’s a moment when we can remember that God’s opinion matters most. And He already says you are chosen, loved, and His.”
Suggested Parent Language:
“God is glorious. That means His opinion matters more than anyone else’s. When we care most about what He thinks, it helps us stop worrying so much about what other people think.”
“Sometimes we try really hard to make others like us. But even when people don’t notice us, or misunderstand us, God sees us clearly and says, ‘You are Mine.’ That’s what we can hold onto.”
Kid Questions:
Have you ever felt nervous about what someone thought of you?
Do you remember a time someone left you out or made fun of you?
What does God say about you that can help you when that happens?
If God’s opinion is the most important, how can that help you today?
Reflection / Prayer:
“God, you are glorious. What you say about me is more true than anything anyone else says. Help me listen to your voice when I feel small or afraid. Help me remember that I am loved and chosen by you.”
God is Good → So I Don’t Have to Look Elsewhere for Satisfaction
Scripture Anchor:
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” — Psalm 34:8
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.” — James 1:17
“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” — Psalm 23:1
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.” — Psalm 16:11
Parent Help:
Kids are natural desire machines. Snacks, screens, toys, rewards, these little longings show up constantly. And in our culture, they’re often taught that happiness is something to chase, collect, or consume.
But at the heart of this G is something better: contentment in God’s presence.
This truth teaches that all good things come from God, but none of them are better than God Himself. When kids begin to see that His presence is the source of lasting joy, they’re less likely to run after what fades. This truth isn’t about denying desire—it’s about directing it.
For younger kids, it helps reframe disappointment. For older kids, it starts reframing their view of success, popularity, and emotional craving.
Kid-Friendly Examples:
Younger Child Example
“Remember when you really wanted that toy, and you finally got it, but after a while, it just wasn’t as exciting anymore? That’s normal. Even fun things don’t last forever. But God’s love and joy never run out.”
Middle School Example
“Remember when you kept checking your phone after you posted that picture, just hoping someone would like it? It’s so easy to think those little hearts will make us feel good. But even if no one noticed, God still sees you, and His joy is way better and way longer-lasting than any likes we get.”
Suggested Parent Language:
“God is good. He gives us so many amazing things to enjoy—family, food, fun, friends. But even the best gifts don’t last forever. Only God can truly satisfy our hearts.”
“It’s okay to want things—but it’s even better to remember that God is the one we need most. His love doesn’t wear out or break or get boring. He is the source of every good thing, and He’s always with us.”
Kid Questions:
Have you ever gotten something you really wanted—and then got bored with it later?
What do you think is the difference between something fun and something that lasts?
What are some good gifts God has given you this week?
When do you feel the most thankful or content?
Reflection / Prayer:
“God, you are good. You give me more than I deserve and more than I need. Help me remember that your love is better than anything else I could chase. Help me be thankful and find joy in you.”
God is Gracious → So I Don’t Have to Prove Myself
Scripture Anchor:
“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” — Psalm 103:8
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1
Parent Help:
Even kids try to prove their worth.
Younger ones may seek praise through good behavior, art, or sports. Older kids may feel pressure to get perfect grades, win approval from teachers or friends, or even be "the good kid" in the family. That pressure can lead to anxiety, shame, hiding, or burnout.
But grace means we don’t have to perform to be loved. We are accepted because of Jesus, not because of how good we are. This G invites kids to breathe easy, to rest, to stop striving, and to know: You’re already enough in God’s eyes.
Kid-Friendly Examples:
Younger Child Example:
“Remember when you spilled your juice and felt like you ruined everything? But I cleaned it up and gave you a hug. That didn’t change how much I love you. God is like that, too. He doesn’t stop loving us when we mess up.”
Middle School Example:
“Remember when you got a lower grade on your test and felt like you had to hide it? You were afraid of what we might think, but we love you no matter what. And God? He already knows everything about you and still says, ‘You’re mine.’ You don’t have to earn His love, it’s already yours.”
Suggested Parent Language:
“God is gracious. That means He gives us love and forgiveness, not because we deserve it, but because He’s kind. You don’t have to be perfect or do everything right. You are loved because of Jesus, not because of your performance.”
“When we mess up, we don’t have to hide from God or try to make it up. He’s already made a way back for us. Grace means we are free to be honest—and free to begin again.”
Kid Questions:
Have you ever felt like you had to earn someone’s love?
What do you do when you make a mistake?
What do you think God does when we mess up?
How does it feel to know you are already loved—even when you fail?
Reflection / Prayer:
“God, you are gracious. Thank you for loving me even when I mess up. I don’t have to be perfect to be close to you. Help me believe that I am already enough because of Jesus.”
Integrating the Four Gs
Family Activity: The 4Gs Wheel
Draw: On a big sheet of paper, draw a circle and divide it into four sections. Label each section with one G: Great, Glorious, Good, Gracious.
Decorate: Add pictures or symbols that remind your child of each truth (e.g., a crown for Great, a shining sun for Glorious, a heart for Good, a gift for Gracious).
Review: Hang the wheel somewhere visible. When your child faces a tough moment, ask:
Which G helps you remember who God is right now?
What does that mean about how we can respond?
Family Reflection Questions
What do you think it means that God is great/glorious/good/gracious?
Which of these truths is hardest for you to believe?
How would our family look different if we really trusted all four Gs?
This Week’s Challenge
Each morning or evening, pick one G to focus on as a family. Pray together and remind each other throughout the day:
“Remember: God is ________!”
Final Encouragement
These four truths, that God is great, glorious, good, and gracious, are like anchors for your family.
Some days you’ll feel them deeply. Other days, you’ll forget and need to come back again. That’s okay. Discipleship is a journey.
Keep bringing these truths into the everyday stuff of life, at breakfast, in car rides, after hard days, during bedtime prayers. Over time, they’ll shape how your kids see God, themselves, and the world.
You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to show up with love, honesty, and a heart to grow. The gospel is good news for your kids, and for you, too.
