In this lesson, children learn that God is worthy of our best gifts, and that we can give them gladly from the heart. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives us everything we have, so we can give back to Him happily and with our whole heart. When we give willingly, God is pleased and so are we.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 29:9
Then the people rejoiced, because they offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD; and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
(WEB)
Ask children to cup both hands together in front of their chest, then slowly lift them up and open them wide as if offering a gift. Say “willingly” each time they lift their hands, so the word and the motion stay together.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 29 for Kids
King David was old, and he had a big dream. He wanted to build a beautiful house for God in Jerusalem, a temple where people could worship. But God had told David that his son Solomon would build it, not David himself. David was happy to help Solomon get ready.
David gathered all the people together and said, “Solomon is young, but God has chosen him. This house is not for people. It is for the LORD our God.” David had already collected a huge amount of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and precious stones for the building. Then he gave even more from his own treasure.
David asked the people, “Who will give willingly to the LORD today?” The leaders of the families, the captains, and the officers all came forward. They brought thousands of pieces of gold and silver, and many precious stones. Nobody had to be forced. Everyone wanted to give.
The people were so glad that they cheered and rejoiced. King David was filled with joy too. He stood before everyone and thanked God, saying, “Everything we have comes from you, so we are only giving back what already belongs to you.” The people bowed down and worshiped the LORD.
The next day, the people offered many animals as sacrifices to God, and they had a great feast together. They made Solomon king a second time, and Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD. The people obeyed him, and God made Solomon great in the eyes of all Israel.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 29:11
Yours, the LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty! For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, the LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.
(WEB)
Point out that David says everything in heaven and on earth belongs to God. Ask children to name things God has made that they enjoy, like trees, animals, or sunshine.
1 Chronicles 29:14
But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.
(WEB)
Show children that David says all things come from God, and that we only give back what He has already given us. This helps them see that giving is a thankful response, not a way to earn anything.
1 Chronicles 29:17
I know also, my God, that you try the heart, and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things. Now I have seen with joy your people, who are present here, offer willingly to you.
(WEB)
Explain that God looks at the heart, not just the size of the gift. A small gift given with love is precious to Him. Ask children what it feels like when someone gives them a gift with a happy heart.
Talk About It
- What did the people bring to help build God’s house, and how did they feel about giving?
- Why did David say that the house was for the LORD and not for people?
- What is something God has given you that you could thank Him for today?
- How did the people show their joy after they gave their gifts?
- What can you give to God or to others that doesn’t cost any money?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Treasure Box
You will need a small cardboard box, colored paper, glue, scissors, and crayons or markers. Let children decorate the box as a gift for God, drawing gold stars, silver circles, and jewels on the paper. Then write or draw one thing they want to give to God on a slip of paper and place it inside the box as a reminder of their willing hearts.
Willing Hands Game
Gather the children in a circle and place a small object, like a toy or a shoe, in the center. Ask one child to pick up the object and say, “I give this willingly to the LORD,” then pass it to the next child. Continue until everyone has held it, and then play music so children can pass it around, adding gladness and movement to the giving.
Thank-You Jar at Home
You will need a clear jar, some paper, and a pencil. Each day, help your child write one thing they are thankful for on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes aloud together and thank God for each gift, reminding your family that everything we have comes from Him.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that generosity flows from gratitude. David recognizes that all he and his people have comes from God, so giving becomes a joyful response rather than a burden. The passage also points forward to Solomon, who would build the temple, and to God’s kingship over all things.
Avoid suggesting to children that God rewards every gift with money or success. The text focuses on willing hearts and worship, not on guaranteed returns. Keep the focus on joy in giving and gratitude to God.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You for everything You have given us, from the sun and the trees to our families and friends. Help us to give willingly and with happy hearts, just like David and the people did long ago. Teach us to thank You every day for Your goodness. Amen.
