Setting An Example Of Christian Charity For Your Child

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Our children are watching us all the time. In fact, research shows that we influence our children more than their peers, celebrities and the media ever will. That’s why deliberately discipling our children is so important if we want them to grow spiritually in their walk with the Lord.

There are lots of ways that we can demonstrate charitable behavior that our children will learn from and hopefully incorporate into their own lives. As explained in the last article, it doesn’t have to require monetary donations or extensive labor, just a genuine love for God and a heart for others.

With your child, deliver a homemade gift to a neighbor who has been helpful to your family. A former neighbor of ours always loaned us their wet-dry vac every time our basement got water in it and always cut part of our yard when he was out mowing his. I discovered their family really liked the loaf of pumpkin bread we made in appreciation for their kindness, so we made it for them frequently.

As a family clean out your church’s supply cabinet(s) for the children’s ministry. They tend to get very disheveled and unorganized, making it hard for workers to find what they’re looking for each Sunday. Throw out unusable or damaged materials, sort through and reorganize art supplies and donate or recycle outdated (for your church) take home papers.

Conspire with your child to leave grocery coupons for others. It’s kind of a reverse scavenger hunt. You’re looking for grocery store items to leave coupons for others to find. One child can be the lookout while the other one does the dastardly deed.

Be open to the needs of the community. Our town, at the moment, is dealing with receding flood waters. A lot of people, including my 23-year old son, helped with sandbagging and putting furniture up as the waters got closer to town. Maybe you know someone who suffered a house fire, experienced sudden tragedy or is dealing with a long-term challenge. Your family can provide so much in the way of encouragement and needed help with a simple act of a meal, donated clothes or a well-timed card.

A charitable heart doesn’t come naturally. It has to be taught. Bringing your child alongside you as you demonstrate love for others gives you the perfect opportunity to explain what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.

If the teachings and ideas at TGMT bless you, please share them with friends and family. Send them an email with a link to the homepage.

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