Teaching to Give

February 28, 2021

In your adult world, you’ve most likely had to balance your expenses, debts, spending money, and charitable donations. Learning the complicated skills of personal finances can take many years to master. The Bible teaches us that God wants us to give with a willing heart. But how do we teach our children to give sacrificially (especially when we may find it hard to do so ourselves)?

Giving with a willing heart means giving from our first fruits. God wants us to put giving at the top of our list and not just give what is leftover at the end of the month. Jesus uses the example of the poor widow. In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus observed many wealthy people giving a lot of money. However, they gave from their leftovers. Next, Jesus pointed out the poor widow. She only had two very low-value coins. She placed both into the offering. Jesus remarked on how she had very little yet gave it all. That is sacrificial giving. God doesn’t look at the value of the gift, but he looks at the heart of the giver.

Here are some suggestions on how to teach your child about sacrificial giving.

1. Explain to your child what it means to be a cheerful giver. Point out the difference between giving from our “first fruits” and giving God the leftovers.
2. Share examples of your giving plans. While your child doesn’t need to know all of your financial details, it is good to share how and where you tithe.
3. Help your child set up their own system to tithe. Children are never too young to begin! A three-part piggy bank is an excellent way to help your child manage the financial gifts they have been given. One part should be for saving, one part for spending, and one part for giving. Discuss suggestions for the portions that might go into each section of the bank.
4. Work together on a plan of how your family can set aside some of your financial blessings to serve others. Find concrete ways for your family’s gift to make an impact. If you’re looking for suggestions, two organizations to consider are Compassion International and World Renew.
5. Although we are focusing on financial giving, God wants us to be generous in other ways besides our money. Brainstorm how you and your child could give gifts of your time and talents. God wants us to use all of our resources for his glory!

Children may feel like they have very little to give. God calls us to give from our heart and not out of obligation, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Want to do a deep dive? Check out Family Fire's article Teaching Children Money Management