Giving Back with a Grateful Heart
Bible Verse:
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV)
Devotional:
Hey there! Did you know that God loves it when we give back to Him?
It might sound a little strange at first, but think about it: everything you have comes from God.
He gives us life, our families, our talents, and even the money we earn.
And because God has given us so much, He wants us to give back to Him. That’s where tithing comes in!
Tithing means giving 10% of what you have to God. It’s like saying, “Thank you, God, for everything you’ve given me, and I want to share a part of it with You!”
But why 10%? Why not 5% or 50%? Well, the Bible says that the first 10% of our money is a way of showing that we trust God to provide for us.
It’s also a reminder that He is in charge of everything in our lives.
It’s not about how much we give, but about our hearts and being generous, just like God is generous to us!
Why Tithe Regularly?
Tithing regularly helps us stay close to God.
When we give to Him every time we earn something, we are keeping our hearts in the right place.
It’s like practicing saying “thank you” to God. And just like any habit, the more we do it, the easier it becomes. Plus, it helps us remember that everything we have comes from Him.
Think about it like this:
Imagine you’re given a big jar of candy.
If you ate all of it and didn’t save any for anyone else, you’d be missing out on the joy of sharing.
Tithing is like sharing that jar of candy with God, taking just a little bit out to say, “Thank You, God, for the candy!” And just like when you share your candy with others, it makes you feel good inside!
What Does God Promise When We Tithe?
God doesn’t want us to give with a grumpy attitude. He loves it when we give cheerfully.
And guess what? God promises that when we honor Him with our tithes, He will bless us in amazing ways!
He doesn’t promise that we’ll always get money back, but He will take care of us and give us everything we need.
Remember what the Bible says: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops…“
when we give, God will make sure we have what we need!
Practical Tips for Kids:
- Save 10%: If you get any money from allowance, a birthday gift, or from doing chores, set aside 10% for God. You can use a small jar or envelope and keep it for church or for missions.
- Start Small: If 10% feels like a lot, start with a little and keep growing your giving as you get older.
It’s about the habit, not the amount. - Give from the Heart: You don’t just have to give money. You can also give your time, talents, or love.
It’s all about sharing what you have! - Pray About It: Talk to God before you give. Ask Him to help you be a cheerful giver and to guide your heart.
Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for everything You’ve given me.
I know that everything I have comes from You, and I want to give back to You out of love and thankfulness. Help me to be a cheerful giver and to trust You with all my needs.
Thank You for blessing me so much! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity Idea:
Get a small box or envelope, and decorate it with stickers or drawings. Label it “Tithing Box” and every time you get money, put aside 10% for God.
You could also set a goal, like saving a certain amount over a month to give to church or a charity.