LJ & Family
Goodbye, Goldie: A Bible Lesson for Kids About Grief and Losing a Pet
Episode 9 of LJ & Family, a free animated Christian cartoon for kids ages 3–10. Watch the 3:25 video together, then use the free family guide, Sunday school lesson plan and coloring page below.
The story
One morning LJ finds his goldfish Goldie floating still in her bowl. Mom kneels beside him, gently tells him Goldie has died and holds him while he cries: “It’s okay to be sad. God sees every single tear.” Dad tells LJ about Buddy, the dog he loved as a boy, and the true verse his own dad taught him. Their neighbor Mr. Walter brings orange flowers to plant for Goldie, and on the garden bench Grandma tells LJ that Jesus cried too, when His friend Lazarus died.
“Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”Psalm 34:18 (WEB)
Talk about it and pray together
Talk about it
- Have you ever lost a pet or something you loved? How did it feel?
- What did Mom, Dad, Mr. Walter and Grandma each do to help LJ?
- Jesus cried with His friends. How does it help to know that Jesus is sad with us when we are sad?
Pray together
God, thank You for the people and pets we love. When my heart hurts, help me remember that You are close to me and You see every tear. Amen.
Free printables for this episode
Everything is free to print and share at home, in class or at church.
For parents
How do you explain a pet dying to a young child? This episode gives you a gentle way to start that conversation. Watch it together, then ask the three questions above at dinner or bedtime.
A ready-to-teach Sunday school lesson about grief and God's comfort
The free lesson plan turns this video into a 30–45 minute lesson for children’s church or Sunday school: welcome question, the video, the Bible story, an activity, the memory verse and a closing prayer.
- Ages
- 3–10 (preschool to grade 4)
- Memory verse
- Psalm 34:18 (WEB)
- Bible story
- Jesus weeps and raises Lazarus (John 11:32-44)
- Theme
- When someone you love is gone
- Video
- 3:25, captions in English, Español, Português and Français
Save this lesson for later
Pin it to your Sunday school or family devotions board so it’s there when you need it.
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