How to Explain the Seven Deadly Sins to Children

Children ask all sorts of questions, especially about spiritual matters, and these subjects can be sensitive. Be careful to steer them in the right direction when you explain the seven deadly sins, as enumerated by the Roman Catholic Church, using the following guidelines.

Instructions

1. Ensure children understand the meaning of deadly in this context. It would be a mistake for them to think they will fall over dead immediately upon committing any of these sins. Tell them God can, and will, forgive any sin, if we confess it and make an honest effort to turn from the sin.

2. Tell them that lust can take many forms and is a very strong desire for anything that is not rightfully theirs, including money, cars, alcohol and drugs or another person's spouse.

3. Let them know greed is almost the same as lust, although we can be greedy for something that we already own. The Bible tells us we should be willing to share what we have with those who have none.

4. Teach them that envy, greed, lust and gluttony are all related, in that we want things that we don't, or shouldn't have because they are not good for us. The Bible stresses that we are to enjoy all things in moderation.

5. Stress that we need to be industrious and work for things we want and need, and not be lazy. If we are working for things we need, we will have less time to envy, lust after and be greedy for things we don't have.

6. Express that it's OK to be angry, or have wrath, about things that are wrong, but that we shouldn't let wrath control our actions. Tell them the Bible says, "Be angry, but don't sin." Teach children to deal with their anger in constructive ways, such as working with others to solve a problem.

7. Advise them that pride is probably at the root of all the other deadly sins. Explain that pride can cause us to commit a lot of other sins, such as lying, cheating and stealing. Reveal to children the difference in being proud of another person, for example, someone in our family, and having pride in ourselves.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure you don't unduly frighten children when explaining the seven deadly sins. Point out that King David in the Bible committed many sins, but was forgiven for them when he repented.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Belief Net Website