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Read: 1 Chronicles 29:1-2,10-18

And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 1 Chronicles 29:17 b

With Joy They Gave

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Grandma and her grandson Jared spent the afternoon baking cookies together. The kitchen smelled amazing, the counters were covered with cookies, and Grandma’s heart was full. She was thankful just to spend time with Jared. But then something happened that made her smile even bigger.

Jared looked at all the cookies—chocolate chip, peanut butter, sugar cookies, all his favorites—and said, “Grandma, can we take some of these to Maria? Her mom is in the hospital, and I think these cookies would make her smile.”

Wow. Grandma’s heart melted. She had just seen something even sweeter than cookies: Jared’s generous heart. He could have thought only about himself, but instead he thought about someone else.

Here’s the cool part: Jared knew the cookies weren’t really “his.” Grandma had invited him, bought the ingredients, helped him mix the dough, and pulled the trays out of the oven. The cookies were Grandma’s gift. Jared just wanted to share them.

That’s what King David saw in God’s people in today’s Bible reading. David had given gifts for the temple, and then the people gave too—not because they had to, but because they wanted to. David was filled with joy. He prayed, “Everything comes from you, God, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

That’s the secret of giving: it all starts with God. He gives us everything we have—food, family, friends, toys, even life and forgiveness through Jesus. And when our hearts are full of thanks, we want to share.

Like Jared and like the people in David’s time, we can reflect God’s generosity. Whether it’s cookies for a friend, money in the offering, or time spent helping someone, when we give with joy, we show God’s love.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, we know every gift we have comes from you. Please help us be kind and generous toward you and others, the same way you have been kind and generous to us. In your name we pray. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Who gives you the things you enjoy every day? (food, toys, clothes, family, friends?)


• How does it feel when you give or share something with someone else?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Have you ever shared something and felt extra happy afterward? Why do you think giving makes us feel that way?


• How can being thankful help us be more generous?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why does the attitude behind giving matter more than the amount we give?


• What are some ways our family or church can practice joyful giving together?

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