My oldest son and I were having a picnic lunch together in the backyard. He was five years old at the time and my three younger children were all napping. We were talking about the vegetables growing in our spring garden and he said, “I want to put a sign in our garden that says ‘FREE FOOD’ so homeless people can take as much as they need.”

I was blown away that he had thought about the needs of others in such a tangible way. While we don’t have any homeless people walking through our backyard looking for zucchini, my son’s heart for the kingdom at such a young age helped me to see that kids can recognize needs in our broken world. His idea sparked some great conversations about the needs in our community.

Serve Others According to God’s Will

Serving others doesn’t always come naturally to my kids—or many adults. Putting another person’s needs before your own is tough. But recognizing exactly what needs to be done can be even more difficult. Our desire is for our children to walk into any situation, be able to identify a need, and respond. I pray that my kids will really see things as God sees them, and serve others according to God’s will.

This month, take some time at dinner to read the verses below. Consider using one verse each week. After reading the verse, discuss the Get Your Children Talking questions and begin to identify needs of the people God has placed in your family’s life.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Luke 3:10–11 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

Philippians 2:3–4 In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

1 John 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

GET YOUR CHILDREN TALKING

• What does this verse tell you about God?
• What are “good deeds”? (Matthew 5:16)
• Can we share any of our things with others? (Luke 3:10–11 and 1 John 3:17)
• Do we know anyone in need, physically or spiritually?
• What can we do to help?
• How does God want us to serve the people in our lives?