Conversation Starters: Give

Posted by Karah

06.14.13_Skills34THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: God has given us work and income to take care of our needs, but He doesn’t intend for us to use them only for ourselves. God has a greater purpose for our time, talents, and resources. In Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, we discover how God has given us these things to help support His work in the world today.

Concept: Give

PRESCHOOL

Luke 21:1-4

THE POINT: One day Jesus was teaching His disciples and the people in the temple. Many people came to the temple to worship God. People would bring money to the temple as an offering. Jesus watched the wealthy people drop their money into the collection containers. Their money made a loud noise as it dropped in the container. Jesus saw a poor widow drop in two small coins. The two coins hardly made a sound as they hit the bottom of the container. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth. This widow, as poor as she is, has given the most money of all. The wealthy people gave only the extra money they had. She has given all that she has.”

LIVE IT OUT: As your child completes simple chores, pay her a small amount in pennies. Help her  count out the pennies in groups of ten. Set aside one coin from each set and place in a container as an offering to take to church. Talk with your child about how God provides for us and we can give back to Him by giving an offering to help our church.

KIDS

Exodus 35

THE POINT: “This is what God commands,” Moses told the Israelites. “Give offerings to God. Bring the things we need to build the tabernacle.” The people gave gold, silver, and bronze metals. The people gave colorful yarn and fabric. The people gave animal skins, wood, and oil for the lamps. People who were good at making things gave their time and talents to do the work. The people brought their offerings and placed them before Moses. The people gave their offerings for God’s tabernacle.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child understand that he is to give offerings from the things God has given him. Help him determine appropriate gifts (monetary or acts of service) he can joyfully give.

STUDENTS

2 Corinthians 8:1-9

THE POINT: Give to advance God’s kingdom.

• Have a discussion with your student about how to best give of your time, talents, and resources for God’s purpose.Have a conversation around this quote:

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
—Mother Teresa

LIVE IT OUT: Help your student think of ways to give of his or her time and talents for God’s purpose. Commit to giving of your time and talents along with your student. Help your students develop a plan to tithe. Be an example for your students by giving regularly.

1. “Mother Teresa Quotes,” Goodreads [cited 19 July 2013]. Available from the Internet: http://www.goodreads.com.


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