Usually when we do good, we try not to be too showy about it. The reason? Jesus taught us to give quietly—thousands of years ago!
“But when you give to the needy,” Jesus instructed in Matthew 6:3, “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Volunteerism is good practice. We can volunteer out of selflessness. We can volunteer out of love. But we can also volunteer without bragging about it. We can love others freely (and quietly!) because God has so generously loved us. We’re like full vessels—with plenty to pour out and share. We can give God the credit.
Like with everything Jesus tells us to do, serving others is good for us.
Volunteering can give kids . . .
- confidence
- problem-solving skills
- experience
- time to bond with their families.
Wait! Am I Too Young To Help?
Have you ever been told you’re too young to help? Some organizations look for volunteers who are at least 18 years old.
Cami Teacoach looked for volunteer projects she could do with her young child. Most places said no. So she invented her own.
Her little son made Valentine cards for senior citizens, picked up trash, and helped harvest produce at community gardens.
Aviva Davis was about eight years old when she began helping her parents deliver meals to people in Denver, Colorado.
“It definitely opened my eyes to what the world is like outside of our bubble,” says Aviva, who is now 17.
“It’s a great chance for us to catch up as a family,” says her father, Seth Davis. “When we’re not all on our phones, you get some pretty cool quality time.”
Let no one despise you for your youth. — 1 Timothy 4:12
Here are ways even young children can help in a community:
—cleaning up litter,
—sorting grocery boxes at a food pantry,
—helping deliver food to home-bound individuals,
—playing games in nursing homes,
—organizing clothing donations.
Can you think of more ways to help? Send us your ideas—or tell us about volunteer events you’ve served in. You might inspire someone else! Write to WORLDkidseditor@gwnews.com.
