Today’s Children’s Bible Lesson

📖 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Ages 6-8

🧠 Explanation

God wants us to give to others with happy hearts, not because we feel like we have to or because someone tells us to. It's like when you share your favorite toy with a friend because you want to, not because your parent asked you to. When we give with joy, it makes God happy, just like when you smile because you're happy, it makes your mommy or daddy happy too. So, remember, it's not about how much you give, but about giving with a cheerful heart.

📚 Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Lily who loved to pick flowers in her garden. One day, her friend Ben came over and admired the beautiful flowers. Lily decided to give Ben a bouquet of her favorite flowers as a gift.

As Ben held the flowers, Lily could see he wasn't very excited. She asked him if he liked the flowers, and Ben admitted that he preferred a different type of flower.

Lily felt a bit sad but remembered a verse from the Bible she learned in Sunday school. She realized that giving should come from the heart, not to impress others. So, she cheerfully picked the flowers Ben liked, and this time, his face lit up with joy.

Lily learned that giving with a happy heart is the best way to share God's love with others.

❤️ Life Application

This verse teaches us that when we give, whether it's sharing toys, helping others, or being kind, we should do it willingly and happily, without feeling forced or grumpy about it. Children can apply this by sharing their toys with siblings or friends not because they have to, but because they want to make someone happy. They can also help with chores at home with a smile on their face, knowing they are doing it out of love. In school, they can share their snacks or pencils with classmates cheerfully. Being a cheerful giver means showing love and kindness through actions, just like how God loves us when we give with a joyful heart.

🎨 Craft or Activity

Let's create a "Cheerful Giving Jar" craft! You can decorate a jar with bright colors, stickers, and glitter to make it cheerful. Then, write the Bible verse on the jar or on a piece of paper to put inside. Each time the child wants to give something, they can write it on a small piece of paper, fold it, and place it in the jar. This activity will help them remember the verse and practice cheerful giving.

🧠 Memory Rhyme

Give from your heart, not with a frown,
God loves a cheerful giver, that's the crown!
Decide in your heart, give with joy,
For God's love is a wonderful toy!

🙏 Prayer

Dear God, thank you for all the wonderful things you have given me. Help me to remember that when I give, it should come from my heart, with joy and happiness. Guide me to be a cheerful giver just like you love. Amen.

❓ Discussion Questions

• 1. Why do you think it's important to give cheerfully, as the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7?
• 2. How does it feel when you give something to someone with a happy heart?
• 3. Have you ever given something to someone because you wanted to, not because you were told to? How did it make you feel?
• 4. How can we show God our love by giving cheerfully to others?
• 5. What are some ways we can decide in our hearts how to give to others, just like the Bible tells us to do in 2 Corinthians 9:7?

🎵 Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of 2 Corinthians 9:7 is "The Cheerful Giver" by Rain For Roots. This song teaches children about giving cheerfully and from the heart. Another wonderful song is "God Loves a Cheerful Giver" by Steve Green, which also reinforces the importance of giving with joy and generosity. Both of these songs can help children understand and internalize the message of 2 Corinthians 9:7 in a fun and engaging way.