Serving others – it’s like the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Teaching kids to serve others is like explaining why they should share their toys. It’s about kindness, generosity, and making the world a better place.
Starting with Basics
Start with the basics. Explain that serving others is a way to show God’s love. Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Serving others follows Jesus’ example and fulfills His command to love our neighbors.
Using Bible Stories
Use Bible stories to illustrate serving others. Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), the Good Samaritan helping a stranger (Luke 10:25-37), and Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17) are powerful examples. These stories show how serving others can make a significant impact.
Explaining the Joy of Serving
Explain the joy of serving. Acts 20:35 says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Serving others brings joy and fulfillment because it’s aligned with God’s purpose for us. Help them see that serving isn’t a chore but an opportunity to make a difference.
Using Everyday Examples
Use everyday examples they can relate to. Serving others can be as simple as helping a sibling with homework, doing chores without being asked, or being kind to a new kid at school. These examples show that serving isn’t just for special occasions but part of daily life.
Encouraging Participation
Encourage participation in service activities. Volunteer as a family at a local food bank, participate in community clean-up events, or support a charity. Involvement in service projects helps them see the impact of their efforts and develops a heart for serving others.
Praying Together
Pray together for opportunities to serve. Ask God to show you ways to serve others and to give you a willing heart. Prayer opens their eyes to needs around them and fosters a spirit of compassion. It’s like tuning a radio – prayer helps them hear God’s call to serve.
Using Real-Life Role Models
Use real-life role models of service. Share stories of people who have made a difference through their service. It could be someone from your community, a historical figure, or a well-known humanitarian. These role models inspire them to follow in their footsteps.
Teaching Gratitude
Teach them gratitude. Serving others often stems from a grateful heart. Help them count their blessings and see how they can share those blessings with others. Gratitude turns their focus outward and fosters a desire to help those in need.
Living by Example
Live by example. Show them what it looks like to serve others. Let them see you volunteering, helping neighbors, and being kind to those in need. Your actions speak louder than words and inspire them to serve others too.
The Sum up
Helping kids develop a heart for serving others involves starting with basics, using Bible stories, explaining the joy of serving, and using everyday examples. Encourage participation in service activities, pray together for opportunities to serve, use real-life role models, teach gratitude, and live by example. It’s about helping them see that serving others is like sharing their toys – it’s about kindness, generosity, and making the world a better place. And remember, serving others is the ultimate way to spread joy – it’s contagious and life-changing.
