Faith That Gives God Your Best

TLCUTHBERTSONKidZone Devotional

Illustration of Cain and Abel

Key Verse:
“By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.” — Hebrews 11:4 (NIV)
Theme: Faith gives God our best, not just what’s easy.

Illustration of Cain and Abel offering gifts to God from Hebrews 11:4. Abel presents the best parts of his flock with joy, while Cain looks unhappy with his basket of crops. A fire burns on the altar with a sign that reads ‘GOD BEST PARTS,’ and a signpost shows the verse reference ‘Hebrews 11:4.
Cain and Abel offering gifts to God

Welcome, Explorer!

Today we’re learning about two brothers who lived a very, very long time ago—Cain and Abel. They were the sons of Adam and Eve, the very first people God created.

Cain was a farmer. He worked the ground and grew fruits, vegetables, and grains. Abel was a shepherd. He took care of sheep and lambs. One day, both brothers decided to bring a gift—an offering—to God.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting…

Cain brought some of his crops. Not his best, not his first. Just… some.
But Abel brought something special. He gave God the very best of his flock—the firstborn lambs, the ones without spots or injuries. These were valuable, but Abel wanted to show God just how much he trusted and honored Him.

And guess what?
God was pleased with Abel’s gift. It wasn’t just about the lambs—it was about Abel’s heart. He gave his best to God because he had faith. He trusted that God would always take care of him, even if he gave away his finest sheep.

Sadly, Cain’s heart wasn’t in the right place. He just gave “something”—not because he loved God, but maybe just to check a box. And God knew the difference.

Abel’s gift showed he trusted God. Cain’s showed he wasn’t sure he really needed to.

That’s why Hebrews 11:4 says Abel’s faith still speaks to us today. Even though he lived so long ago, his example shows us what it looks like to love and trust God with all our hearts.

What Does That Mean?

Abel didn’t just give something to God—he gave his best because he trusted God would take care of him. That’s what faith does.

Faith says:

  • “God, You gave me everything—so I want to give You my best in return.”
  • “Even if I don’t have a lot left, I’ll trust You to provide.”

God doesn’t just look at what you give—He looks at your heart.

Chunky D. Monkey’s Big Question

“If I don’t have animals or crops… what can I give to God?”

Great question, Chunky! You can give:

  • Your time (like when you pray or read the Bible)
  • Your energy (like helping someone)
  • Your heart (by worshiping and loving others)
  • And even your gifts (like singing, drawing, or giving your offering)

Giving your best to God means doing it with love and faith.

Turbo 2.0: Bible Fact Scanner

“Scanning… BEEP-BOP! Did you know Abel’s story is the first time in the Bible that someone is described as having faith?”

Turbo Shares About Hebrew 11 and Trusting God

Even though Abel’s story is short, Hebrews 11 shows us that his faith still speaks today. His offering wasn’t just about what he gave—it was about why he gave it. God saw Abel’s heart, and that’s what made all the difference.

Abel trusted that God was worth giving his best to—even when no one else understood.

And guess what, Jesus even mentioned Abel in Matthew 23:35! That shows just how much his faith mattered in God’s big story.

Let’s Think About It

➡️ Do you give God your best, or just what’s left over?
➡️ What’s something you love doing that you can offer to God?

Let’s Pray Together

Dear God,
Thank You for loving me and always giving Your best.
Help me to give You my best too—not out of duty, but out of love and faith.
I want to please You with my whole heart.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

✏️ Explorer’s Journal Prompt

Write or draw:
“One way I can give my BEST to God this week is…”
(Example: helping my little brother, cleaning up without being asked, giving God time in the morning, etc.)

Faith in Action Challenge

This week, give God your best in one area—your time, your attitude, or your help to someone. Write it on a sticky note and put it where you’ll see it every day.

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