Why Our Choices Matter
Opening Prayer
Lord God,
You made us free.
Help us use our freedom wisely.
Teach us to choose what is good
and to turn back when we choose wrongly.
Amen.
Part One
The Gift of Freedom
God did not make us like machines.
He gave us freedom.
We can think.
We can choose.
We can love.
Freedom is a gift.
It allows us to choose what is right.
But freedom also means
we can choose what is wrong.
When we choose against what is good,
against what we know is right,
that is called sin.
Scripture
“I have set before thee life and death,
blessing and cursing:
choose therefore life.”
(Deuteronomy 30:19)
Think and Discuss
What does it mean to be free?
Can someone force you to love?
Why do you think God gives us the ability to choose?
Have you ever chosen something that seemed good at first but later felt wrong?
Listen carefully. Do not rush to correct.
Part Two
What Sin Really Is
Sin is not just breaking a rule.
Sin is choosing something less than what God wants for us.
It harms:
Our friendship with God
Our peace inside
Our relationships with others
Sometimes sin feels small.
A lie.
A harsh word.
Refusing to forgive.
Sometimes sin is more serious.
But every sin begins in the heart.
The good news is this:
God does not stop loving us when we sin.
He calls us back.
He waits for us.
He wants to forgive us.
Guidance for Adults
Keep the tone hopeful.
Avoid fear or shame.
Children need to understand responsibility and mercy together.
Part Three
Freedom Grows Stronger With Practice
Freedom is not doing whatever we want.
True freedom is choosing what is good.
Each good choice strengthens us.
Each wrong choice weakens us.
But when we fall, we are not trapped.
We can say:
“I was wrong.”
“Forgive me.”
“I will try again.”
God gives us grace to begin again.
Confession is one of the great gifts of freedom.
It frees the heart.
Quiet Reflection
Sit quietly for a moment.
Think about one choice you regret.
Now say quietly in your heart:
“Lord, have mercy.”
Remain silent together.
Practise This Week
Choose one:
• Apologise quickly when you are wrong.
• Before making a decision, ask: “Is this leading me toward life?”
• Each night, thank God for one good choice you made.
• Say a short prayer for strength when tempted.
Keep it simple. Choose only one.
Optional Response
Choose one:
Memory
Repeat together slowly:
“Choose therefore life.”
Say it three times with attention.
Examination
At the end of one day this week,
name one good choice and one poor choice.
Thank God for both — and ask for strength.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
You have given us freedom.
Help us choose what is good.
Give us courage to admit when we are wrong.
Lead us back to You when we fall.
Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 