Teaching Children about Giving

 

 

 "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Matthew 25:45

After an exciting birthday weekend full of gifts and fun my 6 year old walked away with $40.00 to spend however her little heart desired. She was excited (although she didn't really understand the full value of $40.00) she understood it meant she could indulge in more gifts for herself. In the midst of her excitement I decided to reminded her to make sure she gave back to God from her birthday money. With a puzzled look on her face she asked?

"How am I suppose to do that when I can't even see him?"

I honestly can say I wasn't ready for this question. Giving back to God has always been an unspoken priority in my life. I always felt a need and desire to give back to God. So it never occurred to me that I would have to explain to my little one why she should feel the same way. Some parents would have had the PERFECT immediate response. It would have been spiritual and enlightening. Well, I wasn't one of those parents. I looked just as shocked as she did. Rather than give a quick response out of a felt obligation to respond, I decided to take time to seek out the right answer. I knew that this was a delicate topic and could shape her perspective of giving for the rest of her life. So I pondered her question for a few days... 

How do I explain giving back to GOD to a child who has yet to completely wrap her head around how God exist?

After a few days of seeking God  I called my daughter into the dining room and included my son in the conversation. I began to ask them questions about God, our existence and Jesus. I then began to show them the giving nature of God and his son through scriptures and biblical stories. Finally I shared with the mandate God gave to his children to

"Look after orphans and widows in their distress" James 1:27

I explained to them how in our giving we are able to do this.  We looked through pictures of orphan children and talked about the role of a missionary.

I can honestly say that I am thankful I was slow to speak and quick to listen. I truly believe that I have sparked a new passion in my children that wasn't there before and with Gods help given them a greater understanding of why it's important to give.

I'd like to share a few Tips on Teaching our Children about Giving:

1.) Try not to force the concept of giving on your child. God loves a cheerful giver and a child can quickly become unhappy when they give and don't want to.

2.) Show your child the value of helping others through their giving. Show them pictures of those that benefit from the giving nature of others.

3.) Share with them how in giving we can make God smile and proud of us because it shows we are becoming more like him. 

Lastly, as we approach the Christmas Holiday, let's teach our children the value in looking for opportunities to give. 95.5 The Fish sponsored a day of hope late last month and giving to Cross International is still an option. Visit Cross International on the Fish Website to sign up.

Blessings to you and your family and Merry Christmas