In this lesson, children learn from 2 Corinthians 9 that God loves it when people give joyfully and generously. The lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the activities.
Big Idea
God loves it when we give happily, and when we share what we have with others, He gives us what we need to keep giving.
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)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, then bring them slowly toward their hearts with a big smile. Say the verse together while they do the motion, then repeat it several times with the motion getting faster and happier.
The Story: 2 Corinthians 9 for Kids
The apostle Paul was writing to the church in Corinth. Some believers there had promised to help other Christians who had very little food and money. Paul wanted to make sure they kept their promise, so he sent some friends ahead to remind them. He did not want them to be caught unready when he arrived.
Paul had told the people of Macedonia about how eager the Corinthians were to help. That encouraged many of them too. Paul said that giving is like planting seeds. If a farmer plants only a few seeds, he gets a small harvest. If he plants many seeds, he gets a big harvest. So when we give generously, we bring a blessing back to ourselves and to others.
Then Paul gave an important reminder. He said, “Let each person give what he has decided in his heart.” People should not give because they feel forced to, or because they are angry or sad about it. God loves a happy giver, someone who gives because they want to.
Paul ended by thanking God for His gift, which is Jesus. Paul knew that God had already given the best gift of all, so giving back to others is a way of thanking Him.
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 the children what happens when you plant a little seed compared with a lot of seeds. Explain that this verse uses the farm as a way to show that generous giving brings a good result.
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)
Point out that God is the one who gives us what we need. Remind the children that when they share, God is able to provide enough for them to keep sharing, because He is the source of all good things.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
(WEB)
Point out that God’s greatest gift is Jesus. Help the children see that every good gift they receive, and every chance they have to give, comes from God’s love shown most fully in Jesus.
Talk About It
- What is something you have that you could share with someone who needs it?
- How does it feel when you give something to a friend because you want to?
- Why do you think God wants us to give with a happy heart instead of a grumpy one?
- What did the Corinthians do to help other Christians who needed food and money?
- What is one gift God has given you 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. Have each child draw a garden with a small patch of seeds on one side and a big bright garden on the other, then glue a few real seeds on the drawing. Talk about how giving is like planting seeds that grow into something good for others.
Cheerful Giver Relay
You will need a few small items such as blocks, cups, or toy animals, and two containers. Set up a relay where children carry an item from one container to another while smiling and saying, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Let them take turns giving the items away, and cheer loudly for each child who gives with a happy face.
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need paper, stickers, and a pencil or crayon. Ask each child to make a small card for someone at home or at church, and write or draw one way they can share with that person this week. Encourage them to give the card as a gift, reminding them that God loves a joyful heart when we share.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage teaches that generosity is a response to God’s grace rather than a way to earn it. Paul ties giving to God’s own generosity and to the joy that comes from serving others, showing that a generous life is rooted in gratitude for what God has done in Christ.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God will reward every gift with money or material things. The passage speaks of God supplying what we need and multiplying the fruit of our righteousness, which is a spiritual blessing as well as a practical one, so keep the focus on joy, love, and trusting God rather than on guaranteed returns.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for giving us Your best gift, which is You. Help us to share what we have with a happy heart, just like the people in Corinth. Show us who needs our help this week, and remind us that You love a cheerful giver. Amen.
