This post was written by Emily Powers of Teachable Mom-ents
I watch in slow motion as the eyes widen and the lips forcefully come together. “MMMMIIIINNNEEE!” I hear as the little form of a toddler hurls itself toward the unsuspecting sibling. The sibling quickly registers what is going on and clings to the toy phone, pushing the toddler away. But, not to be deterred, the toddler goes in for the big finale – mouth open and teeth slide across skin, beginning to clench down…I reach them just in time to pull the sibling away from the toddler’s eminent bite.
We are born with it – that sin nature, that desire for self. A giving, selfless, servant’s heart – well, those things don’t come so naturally. We must be trained and taught. For some, it is easy – for others, a challenge. But if we want to resemble Christ, and teach our children to walk in His likeness – then we must learn to have a giving spirit.
For we know that Jesus is synonymous with giving.
He gave up His throne in heaven for a manger in a stable. He gave up His royal title for the rough hands of carpenter. He gave food to the hungry, sight to blind, health to the sick, blessings to the poor. He gave His life for the sake of humanity. We could never attain the heart for giving that Jesus displayed, but God has called us to meet the needs of a broken world. It’s not about money, it’s about showing God’s love in the most practical way we can – giving of ourselves for the good of another.
So how do we teach this to our children? By example, of course.
How can we teach our children even the simplest acts of giving – to share, or take turns – if all they see from us is selfishness or greed? I am not helping her, what has she ever done for me? He got himself in that situation and needs to learn a lesson. How many times have we ignored the needy in our lives because we are too busy, too tired, or too oblivious?
We have an opportunity to show our children what Jesus meant when He said, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise” {Luke 3:11}. This time of year, we see a giving spirit even among the world. But what does it mean if not partnered with the love and hope of Christ? Let’s set a higher standard and be a beacon of light in a place full of darkness.
Some ideas of ways to GIVE this holiday season and include your children:
– Provide a meal for another family
– Work in a soup kitchen, clothing drive, food pantry (yes, take your kids too!)
– Sponsor a family in your community who cannot afford gifts for their children
– Support a charity or child sponsorship program
– Shovel snow for a neighbor or carry groceries for an elderly person
– Invite a lonely friend or stranger to your holiday dinner
– Remember the grieving widow/er with a visit and a gift
– Give words of affirmation to those you appreciate
– Bless your community service workers with some goodies and cards
– Go caroling at a local nursing home or make crafts for the hospitalized
These are just a few ideas; there are so many more – but, the importance comes in obedience to the Spirit when you feel led to give, and having a heart of joyfulness in your giving.
How do you teach a giving spirit to your children?
Latest posts by Emily Powers (see all)
- The Beatitudes of Homeschooling - April 9, 2018
- No Homeschool Schedule? No Problem! Find What Works for your Family! - January 12, 2018
- The Homeschooler’s Guide to Letting Go of the School Mentality - September 19, 2017
- When Your Homeschool Needs a Fresh Start + Free 2014 Goal Setting Chart - January 1, 2014
- Teaching a Giving Spirit - November 25, 2013
