Truth or Trick?

Like it or not, trick-or-treat season is here! So let’s use it to help our grandkids recognize the difference between God’s Truth and the enemy’s lies.

“Trick or treat, smell my feet!” Can you hear it?

These familiar words open the door to something sweeter—a conversation about God’s truth and the stinky reality that the lies of this world smell even worse that feet!

Our grandkids hear scary messages every day about who they are, what matters, and how they should live. Some come from other kids. Some from phones or TV shows. And some spook right into their thoughts:

• I’m not as pretty (or smart or strong or ???) as other kids.
• Everybody else is doing it, so it must be okay.
• It can’t really be a sin if it makes you happy.
• God couldn’t possibly love me after what I did.

Sometimes⎯most of the time⎯these destructive lies hide behind the most intriguing masks.

That’s why it’s so important to show our grandkids the importance of asking, “What does God say about it?”

A little game of “Truth or Trick?”

Grab the free printable and a pumpkin bucket.

Print the cards, fold them, and pop them into the pumpkin⎯and gather your grands.

Explain that a “trick” in this game represents a lie about God, ourselves, or how we should live. And “truth” is what God tells us in his Word.

As each card is pulled from the pumpkin, read the statement and then ask “Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK?”

Keep the Convo going:

• What makes you think so?
• Take a look at the verses to see what God’s Word says about the statement. NOTE: the scripture text is a child-friendly paraphrase so you may want to have a Bible handy.
• The Sweet Take-away helps your grands apply think about how to apply God’s TRUTH next time they spot a TRICK.

Keep it fun! The goal is NOT to teach a list of wrongs and rights. It’s to teach our grands where to turn when they aren’t sure what to believe.

Content of the “Truth or Trick” Cards

1. “Everyone makes mistakes and sins.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

🧡 It is the TRUTH!

What does God’s Word say?

• Romans 3:23—Everyone has sinned and falls short of God’s glory.
• 1 John 1:8—If we say we have no sin, we fool ourselves and are not living in the truth.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

Everyone needs God’s forgiveness—even Grandma! When you mess up, it’s important to admit it instead of trying to hide it or blaming someone else.

2. “God doesn’t love me as much when I sin.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

😱 It’s a TRICK!

What does God’s Word say?

• Romans 5:8—God showed his love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
• Romans 8:38-39—Nothing can ever separate us from the love God has for us.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

God loves us even when we sin. Sin matters because it hurts our heart and mind, but hiding it never helps. When you feel embarrassed about a bad decision or how you reacted, remember that God loves you SO MUCH that he wants to forgive you and help you make a better decision next time.

3. “Jesus forgives those who say they’re sorry.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

🧡 It is the TRUTH!

What does God’s Word say?

• Acts 3:19—Turn away from sin and turn to God, so your sins may be wiped away.
• 1 John 1:9—When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just. He forgives us and makes us clean from wrongdoing.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

Repenting means feeling sorry for doing wrong things and committing to better behavior. God loves it when you repent because he wants SO MUCH to forgive you when you ask him.

4. “I have to earn God’s love.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

😱 It’s a TRICK!

What does God’s Word say?

• Ephesians 2:8–10—God saves us by his grace through faith. Salvation is his gift, not something we earn. God made us new in Christ Jesus to do the good things he prepared for us.
• Romans 5:8—Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This shows God’s love for us.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

“Grace” is the love and forgiveness we don’t deserve. God’s grace is a gift to you, not a prize you can earn. You don’t need to do good things to earn God’s love and grace. You do good things because you are thankful for his love and grace.

5. “God made me in a wonderful way.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

🧡 It is the TRUTH!

What does God’s Word say?

• Psalm 139:13–14—God formed me inside my mother. I praise him because he made me in an amazing and wonderful way.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

When you compare yourself to someone else and start to believe the trick that you’re not cute enough, not smart enough, or not talented enough, pause and remember that you are made in an amazing and wonderful way—just the way you are!

6. “I only matter if other people like me.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

😱 It’s a TRICK!

What does God’s Word say?

• 1 Peter 2:9—God chose you to belong to his family. You are precious to him and he has a special purpose for you.
• Luke 12:6–7—God does not forget even little sparrows. He knows every hair on your head, and you are worth more than many sparrows.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

Your worth comes from God, not popularity. When you feel left out, remember how much you matter to him (and to Grandma!). It’s good to tell God and your trusted adults how you feel so they can remind you how valuable you are.

7. “If everyone is doing something, it must be okay.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

😱 It’s a TRICK!

What does God’s Word say?

• Exodus 23:2—Do not follow a crowd into doing wrong.
• Romans 12:2—Do not copy the world’s ways. Let God change how you think so you know for sure what is right.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

Just because “all the kids are doing it” doesn’t mean it is God’s best for you. When friends pressure you to do something, let God’s Truth help you make a good decision. You can choose what is right even when others don’t.

8. “It’s okay to lie if it keeps me out of trouble.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

😱 It’s a TRICK!

What does God’s Word say?

• Ephesians 4:25—Put away lies and speak the truth to one another.
• Proverbs 12:22—God hates lying, but he loves it when people are trustworthy.
• Proverbs 24:26—An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

Truth builds trust. When a lie seems like an easy escape, ask God for courage to be honest. Telling the truth is an important step toward making things right.

9. “I can talk to God when I’m afraid.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

🧡 It’s the TRUTH!

What does God’s Word say?

• Psalm 56:3—When I am afraid, I will trust in God.
• Philippians 4:6–7—Bring your worries to God in prayer, with thanks, and his peace will guard your heart and mind.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

You can bring fear to God. When bedtime, school, or something new feels scary, tell God about it and ask him to help you. You don’t have to feel brave before you talk to him.

10. “Following Jesus means nothing hard will happen.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

😱 It’s a TRICK!

What does God’s Word say?

• John 16:33—Jesus said his followers would have trouble in this world. They can have peace in him and take courage because he has overcome the world.
• 1 Peter 4:12—don’t be surprised when painful things happen. These test your faith and someday you will be full of joy when Jesus comes again in glory.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

Jesus offers peace during trouble. When life is hard, remember that hardship does not mean he forgot you. You can ask him for help and let others support you. And someday, ALL our pain will be gone when we are with him in glory.

11. “My words are powerful.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

🧡 It’s the TRUTH!

What does God’s Word say?

• Ephesians 4:29—Use words that help people grow and give them the encouragement they need.
• Proverbs 12:18—Careless words can hurt like a sword, but wise words can bring healing.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

Your words are so powerful. When someone makes a mistake or feels sad, the words you say to them have the power to encourage. When you are upset or afraid, the words you say to yourself have the power to make you feel better instead of worse.

12. “It’s okay to be mean to someone who was mean to me.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

😱 It’s a TRICK!

What does God’s Word say?

• Romans 12:17–21—Do not pay back wrong with more wrong. Do your part to live peacefully. Leave revenge to God, help your enemies, and overcome evil with good.
• Ephesians 4:32—Be kind and caring. Forgive one another as God forgave you in Christ.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

God calls us to kindness, not revenge. When someone hurts you, choose kindness and ask a trusted adult for help. Being kind does not mean that you have to stay in an unsafe situation.

13. “God hears me when I talk to him.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

🧡 It’s the TRUTH!

What does God’s Word say?

• 1 John 5:14—We can come to God with confidence: he hears us when we ask for things that agree with his will.
• Psalm 34:15—God watches over those who do right and listens to their cries for help.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

God listens when you talk to him. When you feel alone or frustrated, keep talking to him about it. His answer may look different from what you expected, but you can know for certain that he hears you.

14. “Having more stuff will make me happy.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

😱 It’s a TRICK!

What does God’s Word say?

• Luke 12:15—Watch out for greed. Your life is about more than how much you own.
• Hebrews 13:5—Do not love money. Be content with what you have, because God has promised not to leave or abandon you.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

More stuff never gives you happiness that lasts. When you really wish you had some THING, pause and thank God for all of the good gifts you already have.

15. “I’m too young for God to use me.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

😱 It’s a TRICK!

What does God’s Word say?

• 1 Timothy 4:12—Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young. Show other believers an example in your words, actions, love, faith, and purity.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

Kids can show God’s love every day. Always be looking for ways you can encourage someone, share something, pray for somebody, and include others.

16. “I’m strong enough to choose to do what is right.”

Is this TRUTH or is it a TRICK? What makes you think so?

🧡 It’s the TRUTH!

What does God’s Word say?

• James 1:5—If you need wisdom, ask God. He gives generously and will not scold you for asking.

🍭 Sweet Take-away

God gives wisdom generously. When a choice feels confusing or hard to make, ask him for help, think about what the Bible says about your choice, and talk with a trusted grown-up who will help you follow God’s path.

Before You Put the Cards Away

Ask your grands, “Which truth do you want to remember this week?”

Let them choose a card to keep beside the bed or in a backpack.

Share your own answer, too.

“Grandma needs to remember that I can bring my fears to God. Sometimes I forget that he will help me to have peace.”

Our grandkids need to see us turning to God’s truth in ordinary moments. We’re learning and growing right alongside them.

In the future, when our grandkids share thing that sound like a lie from the enemy, we can take them back to the question, “Is that the TRUTH or is it a TRICK?”

Candy disappears. God’s truth is forever.

Grandmas, we don’t need to turn every moment into a lesson. But a few minutes together—listening, laughing, wondering, and opening God’s Word—can plant something that lasts forever.

The candy will disappear. The costumes will be outgrown.

But God’s truth is something our grandkids can carry into every season.

Jesus, thank you for loving us and giving us your Word so we can know what is the TRUTH and what is a TRICK. Help us to see the difference and teach us to remember what you say about who you are, who we are, and how we should live. Give us courage to follow your truth. In your sweet, sweet name, amen.

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