Generous and Thankful – Family Devotion – August 6, 2021

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:8-11

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:8,11

Generous and Thankful

 

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

Everyone was talking about the new video game system. It was awesome! It had all the coolest features, the best graphics, and the best games. Three kids in the class got it already (they had to stand in line for three hours to get it though)! A few other kids were hoping to get it over the weekend. But not CJ. CJ was going to wait a while.

It’s not that CJ didn’t want the new video game system. He really wanted to play on it! And it’s not that CJ didn’t have money. He made good money mowing lawns in his neighborhood. No, CJ was going to wait because he had something more important in mind.

You see, CJ’s parents taught him since he was little to be careful with his money and to be thankful for his blessings. So every time CJ made some money, he saved more than half of what he earned in the bank. Also, CJ regularly gave a part of his lawn mowing money back to God as an offering.

Recently, CJ heard at church that they were trying build a new building. He wanted to help. CJ couldn’t wait to have the new game system like so many of his friends, but he also knew that other things were more important. CJ could wait to have the new system because he wanted to give back to God first.

This week we have heard Bible readings and devotions about God using us and our gifts to do amazing things. Today the apostle Paul makes another important point clear to us—God blesses us by providing what we need in our lives.

Take a moment to think about all that God has provided for you. He graciously gave you the most important things—forgiveness, new life, and salvation in Jesus Christ our Savior. He provides you with clothes and shoes, food and drink, a home, family, friends, and so much more. On top of all these daily needs, God gives so many more blessings than we could even count. God is so good and gracious!

Paul reminds us today that because God has been so generous to us, we can be generous to others. Take a moment today and each day to reflect on God’s rich love and blessings, then think about how you can show thanks and love to God and others.

Closing Prayer:

Gracious God, thank you for showing me such incredible love. You also have given to me so many blessings for daily life. Help me to show you thanks in the ways that I love you and others. 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

• Can you list three of your favorite blessings that God has given to you?
• What are two ways that you can show love by giving back to others?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean to be generous?
• Explain how God has been generous to you.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think many Christians struggle to be generous with their offerings to the Lord? How can we overcome these struggles?
• What if a family does not have a lot of money or possessions? Can they still be generous? How?

Hymn: CW 469:1,5-6 – Take My Life and Let It Be

Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days; Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my will and make it thine; It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart—it is thine own; It shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour At thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be Ever, only, all for thee.