In this lesson, children learn that God loves cheerful givers, and that we can share what we have even when we don’t have much. 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 happily and share what we have with people who need help, even if we feel we have very little to give.
Memory Verse
2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
(WEB)
Ask children to cup both hands together, then open them wide like a gift being offered. As they say the verse, have them open their hands on the word “cheerful.” Repeat it a few times so the motion helps them remember.
The Story: 2 Corinthians 8 for Kids
Long ago, the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Corinth. He wanted to tell them about the churches in Macedonia, which were in a region north of Greece. These believers were very poor, but they still wanted to help other Christians who were in need.
Paul said these Macedonian Christians gave more than they could really afford. They were so happy to give that they even begged Paul to let them share in helping the believers in Jerusalem. Their joy was bigger than their money.
Paul asked the Corinthian church to be generous too. He reminded them that Jesus was rich, yet He became poor for us, so that we could become rich in God’s love. Jesus gave up everything to save us, and that is the greatest gift of all.
Paul explained that giving should come from a willing heart, not from pressure. He said God accepts a gift according to what a person has, not what they don’t have. A small gift given with a happy heart matters to God.
Paul sent Titus and other trusted brothers to help the church finish their giving. He wanted everyone to be honest and open about how the money was used, so that people could trust them.
Read It Together
2 Corinthians 8:2
How that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.
(WEB)
Point out that the Macedonian Christians were poor, yet they were full of joy. Ask children to notice that joy and generosity can go together, even when there is not much money.
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus gave up His riches to become poor for us. Explain that His sacrifice is the reason we can know God’s love and forgiveness forever.
2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.
(WEB)
Help children see that God looks at a willing heart. A small gift from a child who wants to help is just as precious to God as a large gift from someone with more.
Talk About It
- How do you feel when you share your favorite toy with a friend?
- What did the Macedonian Christians do even though they were poor?
- What is one thing you could give to help someone this week?
- Why do you think Jesus became poor to help us become rich in God’s love?
- What makes a gift special to God, even if it is small?
Activity Ideas
Heart Gift Card Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large heart on the paper and cut it out. On the heart, they can write or draw one thing they can give to someone this week, such as a hug, a drawing, or help with chores. Tape the hearts to a classroom wall or a fridge at home as a reminder.
Pass the Coin Game
You will need a small coin or button and a few chairs in a circle. Have children sit in the circle and pass the coin around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the coin names one way they could share with others. Keep the game moving and celebrate each idea with a cheer.
Giving Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, a marker, and some coins or small slips of paper. Decorate the jar together and label it “Happy Giving.” Each time your child does something kind or helpful, they can add a coin or slip to the jar. Once a month, decide together how to share what is collected with someone who needs help.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter teaches that generosity flows from a grateful heart rather than from wealth. The Macedonian churches show that God values willingness and joy above the size of a gift. Paul’s appeal rests on the example of Christ, who gave up His riches for our sake, so that our giving is rooted in the gospel itself.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God rewards generous people with money or that giving guarantees a happy life. Keep the focus on loving others and trusting God, rather than on earning His favor through gifts.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for giving up everything to help us. Help us to share what we have with joy and kindness, even when it feels small. Show us how we can help others this week. Thank You for loving us so much. Amen.
