The Joy of Handmade Gifts: Crafting and Spreading God’s Love

We are all blessed with different talents and interests, and I’ve always believed it’s important for us to use those abilities to bring glory to God. One way we can glorify God is by being generous and caring to others. And crafting is a great way to do that! Creating something handmade that is lovely and useful is one of my favorite things to do, and it’s so easy to tie it in with scripture, prayer, and more to encourage someone else.

Crafting with a purpose

Crafting is such a wide umbrella of all sorts of creative arts. Knitting, crochet, woodworking, sculpting, painting, sewing, paper crafts, and more are all great hobbies. But it doesn’t have to just be a hobby!

I’ve always preferred to craft things that are useful and won’t just sit on a shelf to collect dust. That’s why I make water bottle sleeves, cup cozies, book sleeves, tote bags, pacifier clips, and more for my Etsy shop. These sorts of things get used on a regular basis and make life easier for people!

A form of ministry and outreach

Not only can crafts be useful, but they are also a great medium for ministry and outreach. Many churches have quilting ministries that make quilts for the homeless, elderly, and newborns, as well as ministries that put together baskets of various goodies like crocheted hats and mittens, scarves, etc. Not only are churches serving people by meeting their physical needs, but they can meet a spiritual need as well by exemplifying God’s love.

A bonus to ministries like these is that they provide an outlet for people who have creative hobbies that want to serve their community! I know that many older women in my church love using their quilting and knitting skills to serve others.

This is also a great opportunity to pray for the person you’re giving a gift to, and to include some scripture in a card for encouragement.

Finding inspiration in scripture

There are many instances in the Bible that discuss the benefits of hard work and generosity. One passage that quickly comes to mind is Proverbs 31. Although this applies specifically to women, it can still be a good example for all of us.

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels…She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands…She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens…She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle…She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”

Proverbs 31:10, 13, 15, 19, 20

Obviously, this woman wasn’t just crafting for fun. She was working and creating and providing things for others who needed it. But she worked with willing hands, ready to help others using her craft.

Handmade gifts with an emphasis on faith

There are lots of ways you can weave scripture into gifts. You could be more direct, like creating handmade prayer journals, wall art with Bible verses or hymns, prayer shawls or headcoverings, Bible bookmarks, and more. Or, you can be more subtle, by making basic everyday accessories and including scripture cards. I have started making all sorts of these things both as gifts and as products in my Etsy shop for people to give as gifts. I’ve also been selling crochet patterns and printable wall art so you can make your own and give them to friends!

Spreading the gospel

Making homemade gifts and crafts is also just such a great way to spread the gospel. It’s often seen as kind and generous as opposed to aggressive and divisive. When your heart is in the right place in making your gifts, people can tell you’re sharing your faith in those gifts out of love and not any ulterior motives.

Time to get started!

Do you already make crafts to give to people? Do you already tie your faith into it? If not, now’s a great time to start! Pray about it, study scripture about it, and make sure your heart is in the right place. It will flow from there! You can even get your kids and other family members involved, which is a great way to bond with each other and also a great way to reach more people in need.

Share your own experiences and stories about giving handmade gifts in the comments!

God bless,