Teen Tuesday – The Joys of Giving

Here’s a challenge and a truth. When you decide to work on being more generous, you’ll have no trouble finding opportunities! Just to get you going down this path being a giver, try these ideas for starters:

1. Begin at home—Your parents and siblings are first in line for your cheerfulness and help.

2. Give to your church—Make it a point whenever you get your allowance, or some birthday money, or some cash from a babysitting or dog walking job, to give some of it the next time you’re at church. And pray as you give for those your giving will help.

3. Keep your ear to the ground—Take time to notice people around you who are in need. Sign up to receive your church’s prayer list. Don’t let opportunities to do good to someone pass you by.

4. Support a group or person—A few dollars a month from you can support a needy child through a worthy organization. These same dollars can actually provide water to people who are dying of thirst in other parts of the world!

(Just a thought—be sure you check with your parents about your plans to give money or assistance. Let them know how much and who will be the recipients of your giving. They can provide their wisdom and guidance, and they just might want to join you in your efforts.)

5. Live out love—When asked what love looks like, the early church father Augustine replied,

Love has hands to help others.
It has feet to hasten to the poor and needy.
It has eyes to see misery and want.
It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrow of men.
This is what love looks like.

This kind of love is truly beautiful in God’s eyes!

In Raising a Daughter After God’s Own Heart, Elizabeth George provides an engaging and inspirational resource for every mom who wants to lead her daughter to a godly life by example, encouragement, study, and prayer.

Read Teen Tuesday – The Joys of Giving on Elizabeth & Jim George.