Teaching Children to Be Generous

Are you teaching your children to be generous?

Generosity is not an easy lesson to teach kids. Yet it’s such an important biblical principle that we must exemplify it early in their lives. Children who see us living generously will likely follow suit. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Years ago, the New York Times wrote about the importance of teaching children to be generous. They suggested sharing how your family’s been blessed by the generosity of others. Give specific ways you, their grandparents, aunts, and uncles have experienced the helping hand of others. This makes it personal and practical for your children.

The New York Times also recommends sharing how you are generous to others. Find an area to serve together or meet a need. Time is a valuable gift to share. Generosity is an important part of stewardship. Remembering that we’re managers, not owners, of our resources, helps us to stay Kingdom-minded, and remember that God is generous. John 3:16  says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

God gives and created us to experience joy in giving. Let me encourage you to find ways to live generously in the days ahead. Ask God to show you where He wants you to live this principle out. Then, set the example for your children and allow them to participate as they’re able.

One way to be generous is by making year-end donations. Please consider giving to this radio station. Then consider being a part of Crown’s Matching Challenge going on now through December 31st. A gift of any amount can have a big impact! Plus Every gift will be doubled today at crown.org.