Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:15-16 NIV

God created the world, the land and the seas, the plants and animals and then He created Adam and Eve. God placed them in the Garden of Eden with fruit trees of all kinds. God told them to take care of the garden, but they were not to eat from the tree of knowledge. Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and ate the fruit of the tree. They disobeyed God, what we call a sin. How did God react to their sin? He still loved them, just like He always loves us. God forgave their sin, and covered their bodies, by shedding the blood of an animal and making their clothing from its skin.

Even then God knew that one day, His Son, Jesus, would come into the world and would die on a cross to save us all from our sins. He took on our sins so that we could always be close to God. Jesus was the final sacrifice for you, your parents, me, everyone!

The Bible verse above from Hebrews was probably written by the apostle Paul to a church of Christians in Israel. With the sacrifice of Jesus, God no longer required animal sacrifices for sin, because Jesus’ sacrifice covers all our sins with love and grace and mercy. But this verse tells us that we can still offer God other things that are pleasing to Him, like our praises to God, our thanks for Jesus and all He has done for us. We can do good things for other people, we can share our food and our faith in God and Jesus with others.

All the ways that we can show God’s love for other people is pleasing to God. A sacrifice is an offering or a giving up something that’s precious to us for God. How do you think you can offer a sacrifice to God?

My Sacrifices for God – I can…

Give up my sleep-in morning to go to church and sing praises to the Lord.

Offer my allowance to help buy food for a family that doesn’t have enough.

Donate my old clothes to Goodwill for others to use.

Use some of my homework time to help a friend who needs help with his.

Give up my recess time to help my teacher set up a science experiment.

Use my desire to help my dad and we can fix things around our house.

Tell others about God and Jesus, the good  news that He died to save everyone who believes.

This week talk with your parents and decide how you might “sacrifice” something to please God. Whenever we give of ourselves or our time or our talents to help others, we offer a sacrifice pleasing to God. You can also share Jesus and what He did for all of us with others, too!

Abundant blessings to all as we offer our praises, good works, and sharing as pleasing sacrifices to God!