Five ways Christian parents can teach their youth and children about generosity

Nurturing a spirit of generosity in children and young people is integral to encouraging their faith. The more they understand God’s lavish generosity towards them, the more likely they are to want to be generous themselves. A generous spirit will, in turn, deepen their faith as they witness the positive impact of their generosity on the world around them. Parents clearly have a pivotal role to play in shaping their children’s attitudes towards giving—but how exactly can they do this?

Grow generous hearts

Biblical generosity is about cultivating a heart that reflects God’s love for others. The Bible teaches that giving is a joyful act—one that blesses both the giver and the recipient (Acts 20:35). Encouraging children to see generosity as a way of life helps them understand that their resources, time, and talents are gifts that God intends them to use to bless others.

Show the way

When children witness generosity modelled by their parents—through acts of kindness, charitable donations, or offering hospitality—they are more likely to adopt these behaviours themselves. Talk to your children about the different ways in which you choose to be generous, and share stories of the encouragement and joy that giving creates for everyone involved.