Here is a 30- to 40-minute lesson plan that highlights the following lesson objective: “Gain a deeper understanding of what it means to give. (For example, it’s not simply giving when one has excess, but it’s giving even when one may not have much oneself, but sees someone with a greater need than one’s own.)” (Character Building: Values and Virtues: Generosity-2a)

Read “That’s My Cow in There!”

Discuss how the act of giving is always blessed—whether God gives us something we specifically asked for, or He gives us other blessings that we didn’t know we needed. These blessings include, but are not limited to, a happy heart, fulfillment, satisfaction, love, gratefulness, friendships, etc.

Read the verse “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV).

Talk about how God loves it when we come to our own conclusion about giving. Giving may cost us, it may be difficult for us, but when we give, we should give because we are happy with our choice to give.

Read “Camp Plenty vs. Camp Too Little.”

Ask your child which camp they would like to live in and why. Discuss how giving can contribute toward Camp Plenty. When you give, you are encouraging Camp Plenty to grow, because you believe in the principle that when you give, you receive.

Read “The ‘Giving and Receiving’ Principle.”

Discuss the principles shared in this article. Ask your child the question asked in this article about thinking of Bible stories that back this giving and receiving principle.

End with the prayer prayed at the end of “The Giving and Receiving Principle.” Or have your child pray a prayer of their own.

Additional material:

• Do this “Quick Quiz: Bible Who, What, Why, and Where on Giving”
• Watch “The Giving Song”