Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

God loves a cheerful giver. Maybe you’ve heard this verse before and thought, “Well that’s a good verse for my dad and mum, but I don’t need to worry about it as I don’t have any money to give away.”

But do you know that even though Paul was talking about giving money here, this verse can refer to many other things as well. You have time and abilities that you can give. Maybe you can help others, play with lonely friends, clean for your mum, or let others read your books or play with your best toys. These are some ways that you can give. And if you do receive some money, then you can certainly give some of that too. You can add some to the collection at church.

Paul didn’t tell the Corinthians exactly what to give, but how to give. He told them that they must give joyfully. We must be cheerful givers.

Why do you think it is important that you give cheerfully? If you think about all that the Lord has given you, then you should be overflowing with thankfulness, and want to share your many blessings with others. Think about the food you eat, the clothes you wear, the bed you sleep in. They all come from God. And what about the greatest gift of all? The indescribable gift of God’s love in sending Jesus to earth so that he could save you. Jesus died for you. What greater gift than this could anyone give? And because God loves you in this way, he wants you to overflow with his love by sharing your things with others.

Naturally, this is not something that we want to do. Of ourselves we are selfish and prefer not to give. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, you can begin to learn to give and to do so joyfully. Ask the Lord to help you be a cheerful giver.

Reflection with your child:

In what ways can you give?

Source: Sermon by Br. Kelvin Dekker