Friday Family Devo: WHY CHRISTIANS LOVE TO GIVE

Read the text and briefly discuss it together. Some discussion-starter questions are provided. Then read the closing text as a guide to your family prayer and finish by praying together and singing a hymn.

We give because God gives. He wants us to be like Him (Eph 5:1). God always gives everything to everyone. If it weren’t for God’s willingness to share, none of us would have anything. It’s right to thank God for all His blessings, but He doesn’t do it because He needs our thanks. He does it because He loves. This is why, when we give, we should do it in a way no one else knows about. God knows what we do even when nobody else does. Giving secretly shows God we’re giving to make Him happy and not for selfish reasons. God loves it when we share what we have with others.

What kind of giving makes God happy? He likes it when we give quietly and generously, not being stingy, and when we give without expecting anything back.

How should we give? We should give with love, freely, and as much as we can. We don't just give money; we also give our time, kindness, and help. If we give everything we have to God first, then we'll give everything else to help others, too (2 Cor 8:5).

Remember, the biggest gift God ever gave us is salvation through trust in Jesus. Because He gave us this huge gift, we should also want to give to others. When we give, we feel good because we're doing what God does. Giving is the right thing to do, and it makes us more like God, which is the definition of good. So remember Jesus’ command: “Give, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you” (Luke 6:38 ICB). 

For more stuff for families, follow my family ministry blog, jesuslovesfamilies.blogspot.com.

Discuss:

• What are some reasons some people share that are selfish?

• Has anyone ever shared something special to them with you? If so, how did it make you feel?

• Why do we Christians love to give?

This week, we learned about the importance of giving generously. Think of how you can share something with someone who needs it or share your time with someone who needs a friend this week. Let’s say a special prayer to the Lord to thank Him for giving us all the good things we enjoy and ask Him to bless us all to have generous hearts like His. 

—JLP

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