This lesson teaches children that God loves it when we give happily and freely, not grudgingly. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves a cheerful giver. When we share with joy, God helps us have plenty to share, and we can be glad about it.
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)
Have children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, then slowly open their arms wide and smile as they say the verse together. Do this each time you repeat it so the movement sticks with the words.
The Story: 2 Corinthians 9 for Kids
The apostle Paul was writing to the church in Corinth. Some believers in the city of Achaia had promised to give money to help other Christians who were poor and in need. Paul wanted them to be ready when the helpers came to collect the gift.
Paul had told the Christians in Macedonia how generous the people of Achaia were. He did not want to be embarrassed if the Macedonian friends visited and found that the gift was not ready. So he sent some brothers ahead to help the church get everything prepared.
Paul gave them a simple picture from the farm. If a farmer plants only a few seeds, he will get only a small harvest. If he plants many seeds, he will have a big harvest. Paul wanted them to understand that generous giving brings a good harvest of thankfulness.
Then Paul said something very important. Each person should give what they have decided in their heart, not because they feel forced or unhappy about it. God loves a cheerful giver, Paul said, and God is able to give us all we need so we can keep doing good things for others.
Paul ended by thanking God for the greatest gift of all, which is Jesus. Everyone who heard the letter read aloud could see that giving helps people in need and brings praise to God.
Read It Together
2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
(WEB)
Point out the picture of sowing seeds. Ask children what kind of harvest comes from planting a handful of seeds compared with a whole bag, and help them see that our generosity grows in the same way.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
(WEB)
Show children that God is the one who provides enough for us to give. Explain that when we share, we do not run out, because God is able to keep us supplied for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
(WEB)
Point out that the best gift we have received is God’s gift of Jesus. Help children see that thanking God for this gift is a way of giving back to him.
Talk About It
- What is something you enjoy sharing with a friend or family member?
- How does it feel when someone gives you a present with a big smile?
- Why do you think God wants us to give happily instead of grudgingly?
- What is one way you could help someone who has less than you this week?
- What is a gift from God that you are thankful for?
Activity Ideas
Seed Packet Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a few real seeds such as beans or sunflower seeds. Let each child draw a seed packet and write “Give Cheerfully” on the front, then draw a big plant growing from the seeds. Talk about how giving generously helps something good grow in others.
Cheerful Giver Relay
You will need two bowls, a handful of dry beans or pieces of paper, and a open space to run. Divide children into two teams and have them pass beans from one bowl to another, cheering for each other as they go. Stop the game and talk about how it felt to give with happy hearts.
Take-Home Giving Jar
You will need an empty jar or box, paper, and a marker. Decorate the jar together and put a small slip of paper inside each week where the child can write or draw one way they shared. Encourage the family to look at the jar together and thank God for the chances to give.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that generosity is rooted in trust that God supplies what we need. Paul encourages believers to give willingly, planned ahead, and with thankfulness, knowing that God is the source of every good thing and the one who multiplies what we offer.
Avoid telling children that giving will always bring them more money or things, because the passage speaks about God supplying what we need and producing a harvest of thanksgiving and good works, not about guaranteed rewards.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you for the gifts you have given us, especially your Son, Jesus. Help us to give happily and freely, just as you give to us. Show us who needs help this week, and make our hearts glad as we share. Amen.
