Every year for Douglas’ birthday, his mom makes him a batch of chocolate and cream cheese “stuffed cupcakes” to take to school and share with his class. But this year, on his way to the bus, he decided that he should just keep the cupcakes for himself. It was his birthday, after all! So he quickly ran up to his treehouse and emptied the container of cupcakes into a box that looks like a treasure chest. After school, he gave his mom back the empty cupcake container, and went outside and ate two or three cupcakes. The next day, his family all went to his grandma’s house to visit for a couple of days, and when he came back, he was disgusted by what he found. The cupcakes were all moldy and rotten! Douglas learned that our possessions don’t last.
There’s a story in the Bible about a man who had a great harvest. He had so much grain that he decided to tear down his old barns and build new ones to hold all he had. He was excited because he thought, “Now I can just take it easy.” But then that man died, and no one got all of that grain he had stored up. God was not happy with that man, because he could have used some of what he had to make others’ lives better, but instead he hoarded it for himself, and no one got any. There’s no way Douglas could have eaten all of those cupcakes by himself, even if he put them in the fridge. And so, by being selfish with what he had, he deprived his friends of delicious cupcakes, and himself of the joy of sharing. The Bible says that Lord loves a cheerful giver, and that when we are generous with what God has given us, we’re storing up for ourselves treasure in heaven. Our stuff on earth doesn’t last, but the good things that come from leading a generous life last forever and ever.
Generosity Bible Verses:
- Luke 12:13-21 | Parable of the rich fool
- Matthew 6:19-21 | Treasure in heaven
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 | God loves a cheerful giver
- Proverbs 11:25 | The generous will prosper
- 1 Timothy 6:18 | Be willing to share
Generosity Family Time Questions:
• What was Douglas’ mistake?
• What happens if you’re not generous?
• What are some of the benefits of being generous?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for your goodness to me. Please help me to be generous and always willing to share. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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