[Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:1-6]

Introduction

A. Children will ask their parents for a lot of things, but not always the things that they really need.

B. Around birthdays parents start to think about good gifts that they could buy for their children. Let’s think about some good gifts that we can give them year-round.

Discussion

I. We can give them security.

A. Financial security is a good gift for children (Proverbs 13:22).

B. Our love is an essential gift that our children desperately need (Titus 2:4; Hebrews 12:6).

C. Another great gift is for their parents to love one another (Ephesians 5:25,33).

II. We can give them guidance.

A. We need to give them the gift of discipline (Ephesians 6:4).

B. We need to give them the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15).

C. We need to guide them especially when it comes to marriage (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14; Matthew 19:1-9).

III. We need to give them the gift of ourselves.

A. It is difficult indeed to invest too much in a child (John 16:21; 2 Corinthians 12:14-15).

B. We need to give them our time and attention (Matthew 19:14; 21:16; 18:1-5).

Conclusion

A. There are some things that our children will do just as well (maybe even better) without.

B. Let’s take the time to show them how precious they are and learn to give them the gifts they really need.