The Joy Of Giving
Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." We are naturally good 'receivers.' That's easy. Just make certain that your children open one gift at a time and then walk over to thank and hug the giver before they open the next gift. Receiving well takes a little practice, but the joy of giving is something that needs to be TAUGHT to our children, MODELED for them, and PRACTICED daily.
As young children my brothers and I would walk to Skog's Variety store to buy each other and our parents birthday and Christmas presents. It was a source of great pleasure to walk up and down the 2 or 3 aisles of that tiny store looking for exactly the right gift. But the greatest pleasure was watching the other person opening his or her gift. We learned the joy of giving because our parents TAUGHT us to give, MODELED giving, and PRACTICED giving all the time.
Our children and grandchildren also learned and are learning the joy of giving. Are yours? Are you teaching them to be generous? If not, you are not only responsible in part for their selfishness, but you are also robbing them of blessing! Good news- it's not too late to start! Teach your children the joy of giving, and you (and they) will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Granddaughter Piper experiencing the joy of giving as I open the card she made for me.
Written on March 25, 2026
Posted in Daily Devotions