Children’s Sermon

Luke 6:27-38

Giving More Than Is Needed

By Lois Parker Edstrom

Object suggested: Candy bar. Share with children, if appropriate.

Let’s see what we can learn about this word – generosity. Imagine that you and your friend were given a candy bar. You take the candy bar, unwrap it, and break it into two pieces. Oops, one piece is much larger than the other. Which piece do you give to your friend?

If you choose to give your friend the larger piece you are a generous person. You know about generosity. We could say that generosity is when you give something to another person without expecting to receive anything in return.

We can be generous in many ways. Let’s make a list.

Some people are generous with their time. They offer to help others even though they may be tired and busy.

Some people are generous with their talents. These people, who may be singers, builders, writers, caregivers, gardeners, or teachers, offer their special gifts to others. (These examples may be personalized to be more meaningful to the children.)

Some people are generous with their possessions and money. Even though they may not be rich they share what they have to help others.

Have you ever thought about how some people are generous with love? They find ways to make those around them feel special. They even love people who may not be very loveable.

The Bible gives us a definition of generosity. Jesus said, “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you” (6:38).

A good measure is an amount given that is more than enough. It is like filling someone’s popcorn bowl until the popcorn spills over the top. We can do that with our time, talents, money, and love.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible
Copyright 2011, Richard Niell Donovan