Parenting on PointSample

Nurturing a Spirit of Generosity

Generosity is a powerful expression of God's love. It involves giving freely of our time, talents, and treasures to bless others without expecting anything in return. Teaching our children to be generous reflects God's own generous heart and helps them grow into compassionate, selfless adults.

Begin by helping your children understand that generosity is more than just giving money. It's about sharing what you have, whether it’s your time, talents, or treasure. Explain that generosity is not just a one-time act but a lifestyle that reflects God's character. Model generosity in your own life. Let your children see you giving cheerfully—whether it's offering a helping hand to a neighbor, supporting a charity, or giving to and serving in the church. Talk to them about why you give and how it brings joy to both the giver and the receiver.

Encourage your children to practice generosity in small ways. Start with something simple, like sharing their toys with a sibling, giving their time to help a friend, or donating a portion of their allowance to a cause they care about. Praise their efforts and help them see how their generosity makes a difference.

Early in our marriage and ministry, our family finances were tight, and we carefully budgeted our money each month. One evening, Grace came home from a women’s Bible study and told me about a single mom who had recently lost her job. She had two young kids and was struggling to make ends meet. Falling behind on rent, there wasn’t enough money for groceries, let alone Christmas gifts for her kids. Grace said, “I feel like we’re supposed to help her, but I’m not sure how much we can afford right now.”

I knew God was calling us to be generous, even though we had no idea how it would work out. We prayed about it together that night and felt led to give a specific amount, a significant amount for our budget at the time. The next day, we sat down with our children and explained the situation, speaking to them about the biblical principle of generosity. We read 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV), which says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

We decided to give this gift anonymously, discreetly asking a church administrator to give it to the mom in need. That Sunday, the woman came to church with tears in her eyes. During a testimony time, she stood up and shared how she’d been praying for a miracle. She was at the end of her rope and didn’t know how she’d provide for her kids. “And then,” she said, holding up an envelope with the check and gift cards for groceries, “God answered my prayers through someone’s generosity. Whoever you are, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea what this means to me and my children.”

Sitting with our kids, who were listening intently, tears welled up in my eyes as I watched our kids’ expressions. I could see in their faces a mixture of joy, awe, and a deeper understanding of God’s love in action. Later, in the car on the way home, our daughter spoke up, “I think this was the best Christmas gift ever.” I nodded, realizing that they’d experienced the true spirit of Christmas—giving selflessly, just as God gave His Son to save us from our sins.

Teach your children that true generosity comes from the heart. It is not about how much we give but the attitude with which we give. Explain that when we give generously, we are investing in God’s Kingdom and reflecting His love to the world. Encourage them to give with a joyful heart, knowing that God blesses a cheerful giver.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your generous love and all the blessings You have given us. Teach us to be cheerful givers who reflect Your heart in all we do. Help us to see opportunities to bless others and to give with joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.