Love God and Love Your Neighbor Coloring Page

Time: 10–15 minutes
Best for: Primary elementary
Setting: Indoor classroom or home
Scripture Connection: Matthew 22:34–40 — The Greatest Commandments
Teaching Tie-In: Love of God, love of neighbor, charity, kindness
Materials: Printed coloring pages and crayons
Group Size: Any size
Energy Level: Low
Prep Time: 5 minutes

In Matthew 22:34–40, a scholar asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus gives a clear answer: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. He then adds a second commandment: love your neighbor as yourself. This free coloring page helps primary-grade children learn and remember these two important teachings.

• Love God
• Love Your Neighbor
• Two Commandments That Belong Together
• Using the Coloring Page
• Discussion Questions
• A Simple Love Challenge
• Closing Prayer
• Printable Resources
• More Youth Ministry Activities

Jesus tells us to love God with our whole selves. Children can show their love for God by praying, listening to Scripture, singing at Mass, and thanking God for their blessings. They can also show love by trusting God and trying to make good choices.

The first heart on the coloring page includes a cross, a Bible, and praying hands. These pictures remind children of simple ways they can grow closer to God.

Jesus also tells us to love our neighbor. A neighbor is not only someone who lives near us. Our neighbors include our family members, classmates, teachers, friends, and everyone we meet.

Children can love their neighbors by sharing, helping, listening, forgiving, and using kind words. They can invite someone to play, comfort a person who is sad, or help with a chore without being asked.

The second heart on the coloring page shows two children sharing a box. This scene can help children think about the many ways they can share God’s love with others.

Loving God and loving other people belong together. Our love for God should shape the way we treat those around us. When children show patience, kindness, and generosity, they are putting Jesus’ teaching into action.

These acts of love do not need to be large or difficult. A smile, a helping hand, or a welcoming invitation can make someone feel cared for. Every loving choice gives children an opportunity to follow Jesus.

Read Matthew 22:34–40 before giving children the coloring page. Point to the two hearts and ask what each picture represents. As the children color, talk about practical ways they can love God and their neighbors.

You can use the completed pages as a classroom display, include them in a religion notebook, or send them home. Families can place the page somewhere visible as a reminder to practice the two greatest commandments each day.

• How can you show God that you love him?
• Who are some of your neighbors?
• What can you share with another person?
• How can you help someone who feels left out?
• What loving action can you choose today?

Invite each child to choose one way to love God and one way to love another person during the coming week. Keep the actions simple and specific. A child might pray before bed, thank God for something good, share a toy, help at home, or sit beside someone who needs a friend.

Jesus, thank you for teaching us how to love. Help us love God with all our hearts. Help us treat every person with kindness and care. Show us how to share, help, forgive, and welcome others. Amen.

Use this Matthew 22:34–40 coloring page at home, in a Catholic school, during religious education, or as a children’s activity connected to the Sunday Gospel. It offers a simple reminder that following Jesus begins with loving God and loving our neighbor.

More Youth Ministry Activities

Looking for more simple ways to help young people grow in faith? Visit our youth ministry activities page. You will find crafts, lessons, prayer ideas, service projects, and group activities.

These ideas work well in religious education classes, youth groups, retreats, and family settings. Choose an activity that fits your lesson, age group, and available time. Each activity can help children and teens learn about Jesus and practice their Catholic faith.