​Read all or parts of Acts 4:32-5:11 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

STORY:

     As the new church in Jerusalem met together and grew, they knew who had a need and they also shared what they had. They did this because the Holy Spirit changed their hearts to be generous like God. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit also reminded them of the truth that God will take care of all their needs. The new believers were trusting God and loving one another just as Jesus told them to! 
    Ananias and Sapphira not only lied to Peter and the church, but they also lied to God by not being honest about how much money they gave. They wanted other people to think they were generous and had given all their money. They sinned because they lied to God. Their hearts were greedy and by lying they showed they loved themselves more than God.

     God’s generosity is not like Ananias or Sapphira. He gave us Jesus, and through Jesus He gives us full forgiveness of all our sins. God does not hold back His generosity from us. When we give, it’s a way of showing the gospel to those around us. We can give freely because we trust God shares His gifts with us.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1: Would it be better to give lots of money but only so people think you’re great? Or give what you can with a heart that loves God? Explain.

ANSWER: Remind kids that it’s not how much we give that is important, but that God wants us to give because we want to honor Him. Tell kids that God knows our hearts and whether we give because we love Him or want others to think we’re great. Discuss how the gospel reminds us that Jesus gave His life to serve us and that He didn’t exalt Himself.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2:  How does giving to others show the love of Jesus? 

ANSWER: Discuss how we reflect Jesus’ generosity when we give to others in need. Tell kids that the Holy Spirit bears the fruit of generosity in our hearts so that we desire to love others through giving. Remind kids that generosity is evidence of a heart transformed by grace. (Option: Read 1 John 3:17-18.)

MORNINGS:

Dear Heavenly Father, we learn generosity from You. Thank You for giving Your Son, Jesus, so we can be saved. Please help us grow in our love for You and our generosity. Amen.

EVENINGS:

Thank you, God, for the blessings You have given to us. We want our lives to reflect Your goodness and generosity. Forgive us for our sin and for the times we have hoarded what we have because we haven’t trusted in Your provision. Set us free from our sin so we can live in peace with You. Amen