Heidelbergian Children's Catechism (age 8- 10 years)
Lord's Day 24
Before you go to sleep, you say your prayers. You pray for many things. But one thing you always mention is forgiveness. You ask God: Please forgive my sins, for Jesus’ sake. It is good that you do that. Asking for forgiveness belongs to prayer. Does that mean we only commit sins? Do we never do anything good? Thankfully, we do. When you got that chocolate bar, you gave half of it to your Iittle sister. When your mother told you to clean up your room, you did that. You helped your father wash the car, when you would much rather have played outside. You were mad at your friend. But you made up .You see, there are good things in your life. How is that possible? That is the work of the Holy Spirit. He helps you with that. Look back in Lord’s Day 20, and then you will see it. We may be children of our heavenly Father. That is because of Jesus Christ. And it makes you happy. Now you want to show God that you are happy. You want to do things that are good. And you also begin to do things that make other people happy. And that is what we call: good works. But don’t get it wrong. Don’t forget that you need help from the Holy Spirit. We mentioned that before. You can only do good works because the Holy Spirit works in you. He makes you willing to do good works. It would also be wrong if you would become proud of your good works. lf you would think God likes you better because you are nice and obedient. If you would think that you deserve to be called a child of God. But be honest, you know how you are. When you do something that is good, you secretly hope other people will notice it. You see? It is true you do good things. But at the same time you still do wrong. But you should go on with doing good. Pray for that. Our Father in heaven Iikes it. He remembers it, too. Even on the new earth!