Genesis 14: Parents

A Heart of Gratitude

Genesis 14:20 (New Living Translation)
"And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered."

Every parent knows that a homemade gift from their child is often the best type of gift to receive. Something that came from them, will be cherished more than something that came from the store. Our Heavenly Father feels the same way. When we sacrifice our time, talent, and treasure as a gift back to Him, we bring so much joy to His heart.

In Genesis 14:20, we see Abram express his gratitude to God by giving a tenth of his recovered goods to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High. He recognized that his victory over his enemies was not by his own strength but by God's intervention.

As parents, we are in a unique position to foster a heart of gratitude in our children. We, like Abraham, can show our kids how we make an effort to tithe our time, talent, and treasure as a gift back to God. After all, He is the reason we are blessed in the first place. 

Next time your child presents you with a "gift," whether it's a painting, a cleaned room, or a small act of kindness, remind them of Abram's story. Show your gratitude and also guide them to give thanks to God, who is the source of all good things. This practice can help nurture in them a heart that acknowledges God's hand in their achievements, just as Abram did.