How to Use the Bible to Teach Your Children about Gratitude
“O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.”-Psalms 105:1 One of the first life lessons that we teach our children is how to give thanks. “What do you say?” we prompt even the youngest child when a grandparent shows up with a giftwrapped present. Even toddlers just learning to speak know the answer to that one. “Thank you,” little ones reply politely, even before the gift has been fully revealed. Their child’s faith assures them that it will be good. After all, it comes from someone who loves them dearly. The Bible is filled with lessons on gratitude, many of them written in language simple enough for even the youngest child to understand. Psalms 118:24 tells us, “This is the day that the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” What a wonderful lesson that is to share with your child at the beginning of each morning. No matter how hectic your schedule or how challenging your circumstances, there is always time to start off your day with this lovely teaching. It is a simple but powerful reminder that God created the day itself. It teaches us that just being alive is reason to be grateful and glad of heart. In the First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians, we are taught, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Likewise, Colossians 3:15 reminds us to “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” After all, James 1:17 instructs us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Each of these Bible verses offers an important lesson about gratitude in clear, beautiful language that children can appreciate. Lessons in Gratitude Instill in your children at an early age that every good thing comes from God. Show by your words and your example that gratitude should fill our days. In so doing, you are preparing your children to learn the most important lesson of all: God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, Christ Jesus.
By using the Bible to teach your children about gratitude, you help them to grow into adults who keep their innocent joy even as they gain a mature understanding of what true gratitude is all about. As a Christian adult, you know through your own conversations with Jesus that God’s love is the source of everything good. You also know that the gift of God’s love doesn’t always come giftwrapped with a bow. Life has its ups and downs, but through it all, God’s loving plan is given to each of us. We simply need to learn how to accept God’s gift with thankfulness every day. Teachable Moments Again and again, the Bible returns to the subject of gratitude. You can share these teachable moments with your child at any time of day. For example, at dinnertime, you can introduce the topic by asking “Do you know why we say Grace before meals?” Another good time to discuss gratitude is when you are doing chores together. “Thank you for helping. Do you know who helps everyone on Earth, all the time? Who helps us breathe, even when we are asleep?” Here are some additional Bible verses that you can use to share God’s teaching about gratitude: •
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.”-- Romans 8:28
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“O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] forever.”— salms 107:1
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“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Ephesians 5:20
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“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”—Matthew 11:25
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