a creative and meaningful way to illustrate such an important lesson.
Draw a half-heart onto 8.5X11 cardstock and cut it out.
beautifully symbolizes the contrast between being half-hearted and whole-hearted.
From Half-Hearted to Whole-Hearted
As you see here we are starting with a half heart.
This is a large heart half we can't do much with a half heart as it is.
Being half-hearted in the things of God and in relationships with others often leads to a life that feels shallow and unfulfilled. When we approach our faith or connections with lukewarm commitment, we miss out on the depth and richness that comes from giving our all. In our relationship with God, a lack of passion can hinder spiritual growth, leaving us stagnant and disconnected from His purpose for our lives. Similarly, when we are only partly invested in relationships with others, we fail to build trust, nurture bonds, and experience the genuine joy of meaningful connection. Wholeheartedness requires vulnerability, effort, and intention, but it is through this commitment that we truly find purpose and fulfillment in both our spiritual journey and our human connections.
Verse to think upon:
** *"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." —Mark 12:30
When we approach our faith, relationships, or endeavors with only half of our hearts, it's as though we're presenting only part of the picture, just like a half-drawn heart. The world sees our intentions, but they remain incomplete—a missing piece that limits our capacity to truly love, serve, and achieve greatness. God wants us wholeheartedly.
Illustration:
Cut out only one side of your cardstock heart. It looks incomplete, doesn’t it?
Similarly, living a life that’s half-hearted in faith or effort lacks the fullness God desires for us. Yet when we embrace being whole-hearted—completely committed—our lives become a beautiful and complete reflection of His purpose and we are prepared to be used by God.
Once you cut out the half-heart use it as a pattern to trace around to cut out another half-heart.
Set the pieces together side by side and tape the seam closed. God's the one that gives us a whole heart towards him as we obey him. Making him more important than anything else.
God holds our hearts and lives together as we follow him as we follow the pattern he gives us to live.
Lesson:
Being whole-hearted means surrendering all that we are to the Lord, not holding back in fear or doubt. It’s trusting Him with every piece of our hearts and letting His love and strength fill the gaps we cannot mend on our own. With a wholehearted approach, our actions radiate authenticity, love, and faith that inspires others.
Challenge:
Reflect on areas where you might be living half-heartedly—whether in your faith, relationships, or personal goals. Ask God for guidance to go all in, trusting Him to help you complete the picture.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for the moments I’ve held back and been half-hearted in my devotion to You and in my love for others. Help me to love and live with all my heart, fully committed to Your plans for me. That I may be a light and an example to those you bring into my life.
In Jesus Name Amen.
---
This devotion could pair beautifully with a hands-on activity. You could guide participants to create their own paper hearts by cutting out the half-heart on cardstock, unfolding it, and marveling at the transformation into a whole heart—a visual reminder to pursue a life fully devoted to God.
---Whole-Hearted Love: A Devotion and Craft
Introduction:
Begin by drawing half a heart on an 8x11 piece of cardstock and talking about what it means to live half-heartedly. Just like a half-heart, our lives feel incomplete when we hold back parts of ourselves from God—whether out of fear, doubt, or distraction. We miss out on the fullness He desires for us when we hesitate to give Him everything.
Devotion:
- Scripture Verse:
*"And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh." —Ezekiel 11:19 (KJV)*
- Reflection:
When we live half-heartedly, our lives are like the incomplete heart shape—disconnected and fragmented. But when we surrender to Christ, He completes us, binding us together with His love and grace. He doesn’t just fill in the gaps; He transforms us into a new creation. With Christ at the center, we find peace, rest, and purpose.
Take the moment to trace the second half of the heart onto cardstock, completing the shape in front of your audience. As you tape the two halves together, explain how the tape represents Christ—the glue that holds us together and makes us whole.
- Application:
Just as this whole heart can now be used as a pattern for creating more hearts, a life centered on Christ becomes a model for others. When our hearts are full of His love, we naturally share that love, helping others find peace, rest, and wholeness in Him.
Craft Instructions:
Pre-teen to Adults:
- Use the heart pattern as a guide to cut two fabric pieces.
- Sew the fabric pieces together, leaving a small opening for stuffing.
- Fill the heart with soft stuffing and sew the opening closed.
- Optional: Add decorative touches like ribbons or embroidery.
A 13X13 Piece of fabric 2X
Our Heart Pattern.
Children:
- Use the heart pattern to trace and cut two half paper hearts. out of 2 8/5X11 - Tape in the center malkeing a pattern.
Glue the edges together with glue stick, leaving an opening to stuff with fill cotton inside or paper napkins or toilet paper.
- Finish gluing the edges and reinforce with tape about two inches apart all the way around, as you go and then again as needed. let the children decorate their paper pillows.
!2X12 Scrapbooking Paper:
Tape
Glue Stick
Scissors
1 Small Paper Heart Cut Out - 3x3 or 4x4
Write" Resting in Jesus" on it.
Our Large Heart Pattern Cattycorner on the 12X12 paper to cut
You could put another small heart cut out paper on top that says "Resting in Jesus"
Closing Thought:
The heart-shaped pillow serves as a reminder of the peace, rest, and comfort we find when our hearts are wholehearted and Christ is at the center. Share these pillows as gifts, accompanied by a message about the love of Jesus, to bless others and spread the gospel.
Finding Peace and Rest in Jesus
When we serve Jesus with our whole hearts and love Him fully, we are invited into a peace and rest that surpass all understanding. The burdens of life feel lighter because we trust in His divine plan, and our souls find solace in His promises. As Jesus Himself said in Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV 1611), *"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."* This rest is not just physical but a spiritual tranquility that sustains us, even in the face of trials.
Let us lay our heads upon our pillows
and read or listen to the audio.
Jesus is our Resting Place
Resting in Jesus
In the shadow of His wings, I hide,
Where storms can rage but not divide.
The Shepherd calls, His voice is calm,
Leading me to pastures, a healing balm.
When burdens press and trials sting,
His gentle whispers cause my heart to sing.
"Fear not, My child, I hold you near,
In Me, you'll find no cause for fear."
My weary heart, He bids it cease,
And fills my soul with perfect peace.
His yoke is light, His love profound,
In Him, eternal rest is found.
Throughout this life, I put my trust,
In Jesus' plans, both kind and just.
Oh, the joy, the calm, the sweet release,
Forever dwelling in His peace.
Owner: Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025©
AGBMBPRNAPKB AGB SONG
May you find true rest and deep peace in Jesus as you walk with Him in faith and love. Let His promises be your strength and His presence your refuge!
If you don't want to make a heart just rest your head on a teddy bear
This writing can not be changed in any way if you have requests
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