What is this Waypoint?
Giving is an important part of following Jesus. Through giving, we learn to trust God, steward His blessings, and reflect His generosity to others. As parents, you have the opportunity to help your child develop a heart of gratitude, generosity, and stewardship.
Giving is not simply about money. It is an act of worship that reflects our trust in God and our desire to honor Him with all He has entrusted to us. When we give, we acknowledge that God is the giver of every good gift and that we are stewards of His resources rather than owners.
Giving also teaches us to participate in God's work. Through generosity, we support the ministry of the church, care for those in need, and join God in what He is doing in the world. As children learn to give, they begin to understand that generosity is not about what we have, but about trusting the God who provides.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father...” — James 1:17
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21
Learning to Trust God
Throughout Scripture, God's people responded to His faithfulness with gratitude and generosity. Giving has always been an act of worship and obedience, reminding us that everything we have belongs to Him.
We see Abraham giving to the Lord in gratitude (Genesis 14:20), Jacob worshipping God through giving (Genesis 28:20–22), and God's people setting aside a portion of what He had provided as an act of worship (Leviticus 27:30). Throughout the Bible, generosity is connected to trusting God and caring for others.
Jesus taught His followers to be generous toward those in need (Matthew 6:2–4) and reminded them that obedience involves more than simply giving—it includes hearts marked by justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23).
As your child begins to earn, receive, save, and spend money, help them understand that giving is one way we worship God and place our trust in Him. Generosity teaches us to hold our possessions loosely, care for others well, and remember that God is our provider.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
Growing a Generous Heart
Children learn generosity best when they see it modeled at home. As you talk about giving, share stories of God's provision, explain why your family gives, and invite your child to participate in opportunities to bless others.
Helping your child develop habits of generosity now can create a foundation for a lifetime of trusting and honoring God.
Next Steps and Resources:
Helping your child grow in generosity begins with two simple steps:
Personally Model It
Children learn generosity by watching the adults around them. Let your child see that giving is a joyful response to God's faithfulness and provision. Talk openly about how your family seeks to honor God with your resources through giving, saving, spending wisely, and helping others. Celebrate God's provision and regularly thank Him for the ways He cares for your family.
“God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
Intentionally Teach It
Help your child understand that everything we have belongs to God and that giving is one way we worship and trust Him. As your child receives money through gifts, allowance, or work, help them develop habits of stewardship by setting aside money to give, save, and spend wisely. Explain how giving supports the work of the church and helps share the gospel both locally and around the world.
Introduce your child to missionaries, ministry leaders, and serving opportunities so they can see how God uses the generosity of His people to accomplish His work. As a family, look for opportunities to participate in ministry and missions together and celebrate the impact God can make through faithful giving.
Here are a few more practical ideas:
- Share with your child why your family chooses to give.
- Encourage your child to set aside a portion of money they receive to give to God.
- Look for opportunities to give to someone in need together.
- Celebrate generosity rather than focusing on an amount.
- Pray together and thank God for His provision.
- Ask questions such as:
- How has God provided for our family?
- Why do you think God wants us to be generous?
- How can we use what God has given us to help others?
- How does giving help us trust God?
Resources for Kids:
Resources for Parents & Adults: