This lesson teaches children that God loves it when we give to Him happily and freely, with a willing heart. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves it when we give our gifts to Him gladly, because He gave us everything we have first. When we give with a happy heart, it pleases Him and makes everyone around us glad too.
Memory Verse
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)
Have children stand up and stretch their arms out wide, then bring their hands together in front of their chests like they are holding a gift. Say the verse together while doing the motion, and repeat it three times, getting a little faster each time.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 29 for Kids
King David was getting old, and he had a big dream. He wanted to build a beautiful house for God in Jerusalem, a temple where people could come and worship. But God had chosen his son Solomon to build it, and Solomon was still young.
David gathered all the people together and told them what he had been saving up. He had collected gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and beautiful stones for the building. Then David gave even more from his own treasure, because his heart was full of love for God’s house.
David looked at the crowd and asked, “Who else will give to God today?” The leaders of the families and tribes all stepped forward. They gave gold, silver, and bronze, and some people gave precious stones too. Nobody had to be forced, because they wanted to give.
The people were so happy that they cheered, and David was filled with joy too. He stood up in front of everyone and thanked God. He said that everything they had came from God in the first place, so giving back was just a way of returning what already belonged to Him.
Then the people had a big party before the Lord. They ate, they drank, and they celebrated with great gladness. They also made Solomon the new king, and he took his place on the throne after his father David.
Read It Together
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)
Point out how the people rejoiced because they gave willingly and with a whole heart. Ask the children what it feels like to give something happily compared to giving it because someone made you.
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)
Show the children how David praised God for His greatness and power. Explain that the whole world belongs to God, and that is why He deserves all our praise.
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)
Tell the children that God looks at our hearts, not just at what we hand over. Remind them that David gave because he was sincere, and God is pleased with honest, loving hearts.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God has given you that you are thankful for?
- How did the people feel when they gave to God, and why do you think they felt that way?
- What is something you could give to help someone else this week?
- Why do you think God cares more about our hearts than about how much we give?
- How can you show God you are thankful for what He has given you?
Activity Ideas
Treasure Chest Craft
You will need an empty shoebox, paper, markers, glue, and scraps of colorful paper or foil. Let each child decorate the box like a treasure chest, then write or draw one thing they are thankful to God for on a slip of paper and place it inside. Talk together about how God gives us good things every day.
Happy Giver Relay
You will need two bowls and a handful of dry beans or small toys. Divide the children into two teams and have them race to carry items from one bowl to the other one at a time, cheering loudly for each other. Afterward, explain that the best giving is done with joy, just like the cheering in the story.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper, and a pen. Ask the family to write one thing they are grateful for each day and drop it into the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes aloud together and thank God for each blessing, reminding everyone that all good things come from Him.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that everything we have ultimately belongs to God, and our giving is a response to His generosity rather than a way of earning His favor. David’s words in verse 14 teach humility, reminding us that we are strangers and our days are like a shadow. Generosity flows from gratitude and trust in God’s faithfulness.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God rewards giving with money or that giving more always means you are more faithful. Keep the focus on the heart and on thankfulness, since the chapter emphasizes willingness and sincerity rather than amounts or outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we have. Help us to give to You and to others with happy and willing hearts. Thank You for loving us so much. Amen.
