Genesis 4: Parents

Cultivating a Heart of Offering

Genesis 4:4 (New Living Translation)
"Abel also brought a gift—the best portion of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift."

Consider a summer day. You're playing with your child, surrounded by their colorful array of toys. As you encourage them to donate some for the less fortunate, you notice them carefully choosing the best ones, their tiny hearts brimming with a selfless generosity.

This innocent act of your child mirrors the essence of Genesis 4:4. Abel's offering was not just about what he gave, but the heart with which he gave it. God saw Abel's sincere heart, and it pleased Him.

As parents, we have the privilege to nurture this heart of generosity in our children, helping them recognize everything they have is a blessing from God. It's not just about the act of giving, but more importantly, about giving our best with a willing and cheerful heart.

When your children share their toys or donate their old clothes, praise their actions, but also emphasize the importance of the heart behind their generosity. As you model this in your own actions of giving, they will learn to understand the heart of God - a heart that loves a cheerful giver, a heart that values not just our offerings, but the love and sincerity with which we offer them.