G is for…Gifts (Using Yours)

By Shelly Burke

(The posts for the A to Z Blogging Challenge will focus on teaching kids lessons from selected Bible verses. Adapt your teaching to the age of the kids you’re talking with.)

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“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

1 Peter 4:10

How can you encourage your kids to use their gifts?

Begin by talking about the above Bible verse. Point out that each of us has received a gift (or gifts!) from God. Discuss the gifts that He has given you and other people your kids know. Your pastor has a gift for preaching, teachers have a gift for teaching, and so on. Also point out characteristics like caring for others, giving encouragement, drawing, acting, refinishing furniture, making people laugh, and so on.

What does it mean to serve one another? It means we help others, according to their needs (others might need encouragement, help with chores around the house, to learn about something new, etc.). Serving means to look to someone else’s needs before our own, and even if we are inconvenienced. Jesus served His disciples by washing their feet (John 13:5 ) We serve when we give to and help others to show God’s love, NOT because we expect a reward. God showed His love for us by giving Jesus to die for us, because of our sins. We pass on that love by showing kindness to others.

Ask each child, What are your gifts? Help them list things like, singing, helping you cook, good at math, draws beautiful pictures, good at organizing toys, a good driver, takes neat photos, likes to grocery shop, patient with people who take time to get around, etc.  

Next ask, How can you use your gifts to serve others? Elicit answers that list a variety of places and people they can serve. For example, helping a younger sibling organize his or her room, helping an elderly person shop for groceries, cooking for someone, visiting a nursing home and singing to someone, etc.

Now, make a plan. How can each child use his or her gifts during the next week? Be sure to discuss their actions, as well as the response of those they served.

Thank You, Lord, for the gifts that you have given to all of us. Please help each of us to use our gifts to serve others. Let us show Your love for us, through what we do. Amen.  

   

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