Blessing of Giving

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."(Matthew 6:19-21)

Obtain a copy of the beautiful children's book, The Quiltmaker's Gift, written by Jeff Brumbeau and illustrated by Gail de Marcken. The author, illustrator, and Scholastic, Inc. donate a portion of the proceeds to worldwide projects that illustrate the spirit of generosity as shown by the quiltmaker and the king. Read this story to the children.

If you are unable to find the book, here is a summary: A gifted quiltmaker designs and sews beautiful quilts. She never sells them. Instead, she gives the quilts to the poor. The king of the land was very greedy. He loved presents so much that he had two birthdays a year. The king commanded everyone to bring him birthday presents. Everyone except the quiltmaker brought him presents. He acquired so many gifts that the castle overflowed with gifts. Despite having all of these things, the king was still unhappy. He demanded that the quiltmaker make him a quilt. She refused. The king tried to feed her to a hungry bear, but she was rescued. He then tried to leave her on a tiny island, but again she was rescued because of her kindness.

The quiltmaker then made the king an offer. If the king would give away his possessions, the quiltmaker would make him a quilt. The king agreed. Soon, he was poor, but curiously happier than he had ever been. As the story concludes, the king and the quiltmaker become partners. She continues to sew quilts, and the king gives them away.

Ask the children to consider why the king was so unhappy even though he had so many things that his castle overflowed. Determine the real source of happiness according to this story and the Scripture reading.

Prayer

Dear Lord, we are so much like the king in this story — we have too much stuff. These things really do not create happiness. Teach us to store up treasures in heaven by seeking to serve others. Help us to concentrate on reaching out to others rather than on getting more things. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Discussion Questions

• What does giving do for the giver according to the Scripture reading and the book?
• What would Jesus say about the behavior of the quiltmaker and the king?
• How does giving help us to live as faithful Christian stewards?
• Why do you think God gives us material things?
• What have you learned from the Scripture and the story that will help you be a more faithful Christian steward

Janet Zimmerman is an ordained United Methodist deacon, who serves as Christian Education Director at Church of the Lakes in Canton, Ohio.

Posted in 2005.