This is the fourth post in a 5-part series about money concepts. These articles are mostly written in “kid talk” for you to discuss when you can. Our financial situations are all unique, so the suggestions offered are simply a framework for you to personalize. Rephrase, skip, and embellish as needed for the ages and interests of your kids. Break it up over the course of several days if desired.
Opening Idea:
Jesus doesn’t call us to merely understand or believe in him, but to follow him. His teachings show that part of following him involves our use of money. He said the two most important things are to love God and love others. We show love through kindness and generosity, such as when we sing or pray to God, sit with someone who is lonely, or give a compliment. But Jesus also taught us to show kindness and generosity with our money and our “stuff.” We can do this by giving money to a church and/or organizations that help others. Or by giving away things such as toys or clothing or a meal. Two habits can help us practice this:
1 – Notice & Do. This habit simply means noticing who or what needs help and then giving money or items to help them. One of Jesus’ friends named John wrote in a letter to other followers of Jesus: “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)
Talk Together:
- About a time earlier in your life when you generously gave away items or money to help someone. What happened? How did you feel?
- About ways your family already practices “notice & do” with money or items you’ve given away.
- To identify people you’ve seen at school or work, the store, or other locations around town who appear to need help. Why is it sometimes hard to help them? (busyness, awkwardness, fear, distrust, etc. – it’s OK to talk frankly about these things if your kids are ready!)
- About what needs seem important to each person in your family (hunger, clean water, disaster relief, animals, or climate, medical debt, cancer research, etc.). You can’t give all that you would like to all of them, but talk about small ways your family could be challenged to give to one of these.
2 – Routine. Many people or situations that we would never even notice also need help, so we can have a habit of giving money regularly to people who help others. Examples of this include our offering or tithe to the church or a regular donation we give to other organizations that serve others.
Talk Together:
- About how/when you give to the church (Automatic transfer, credit card, check, or cash? Weekly, monthly, or annually?)
- About any other organizations you give to routinely. Why do you choose them over others?
- Brainstorm for 1 minute all the things you see at the church that need money (electricity, posters, soap, toilet paper, people who work there, microphones, etc.). Then brainstorm for another minute – wondering about things you DON’T see that also need money (internet, gas for church vehicles, VBS curriculum, activities for Senior Adults, other organizations the church supports)
- (If your child has an allowance or small job) About how your child could start or alter a habit of giving routinely. A simple, visual way is with jars or boxes. Consider how to label them (Give/Save/Spend, Later/Now/Others, God/Others/Me, etc.). Give your child ownership in designing the labels. Make a plan and then mark a date on your calendar when you’ll see if your child is ready to make a donation, reassess how it’s going, or whatever – just so it doesn’t get forgotten.
A prayer for parents (by Kayla Craig):
You have given us our daily bread, yet we have desired the whole bakery.
We have eaten until we are full, and yet we have forgotten our hungry neighbor.
Help us raise children to walk paths of generosity rooted in Your great love.