Generosity is a major topic in the Bible. Living generously is an essential part of the Christian faith and critical to faithfully following Jesus. Giving is mentioned over 2000 times in the Bible, compared with love (714x) and prayer (371x). One-half of the parables of Jesus are about possessions and money. Giving is the 2^nd greatest topic of the Bible, so it seems safe to say that giving is important to God. God wants us to learn to hold what he’s entrusted to us loosely, understanding that we are merely caretakers and it all belongs to Him. He also wants us to be able to appreciate the things others have, their blessings, and not covet or be jealous. We should be able to be happy for them, thankful for the way God has blessed them. When you are able to appreciate what others have and hold loosely the things you have, you are heading in the right direction toward generosity.

Scriptures – 2 Corinthians 9:2, 6, 7, 11; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Matthew 6:21

Verses – For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to being giving. (2 Co 9:2) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (2 Co 9:6) “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mt 6:21)

Thought – Generosity is about trust. Do you trust God or don’t you? God promises us that we will be enriched in every way when we are faithful to him in our giving. Does that mean wealth? It might, but you can’t just say finances. If you give generously, God may bless you relationally, emotionally, occupationally, financially. The blessings will far outweigh anything you give. Not only will you be blessed, but your generosity becomes a blessing to others, and then they are thankful to God. Generosity is also about heart. You aren’t to give begrudgingly, but out of a grateful heart. When you fully surrender your finances to God, giving is a joy, an opportunity, an investment. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mt 6:21) If you love pleasure most, your money will go for pleasure. If you love things most, that’s where your treasure will be. If your heart is devoted to God, you will invest in His Kingdom; your treasure will impact eternity. God tests you with blessings. Will you be a faithful steward of those blessings? You have to make a decision and then make a commitment to yourself and to God. Trust Him. Learn to hold loosely what he’s given you, appreciate the blessings of others, and start giving. Generosity doesn’t just happen. You’ve got to jump!

Questions – In what ways are you generous? Are you ever tight-knuckled? If so, when? How do you justify helping someone or not helping someone who has a need? What excuses do people use for not giving to God? Where are you on the generosity scale? Rate yourself 1-10 with 1 being lowest. Explain. How does your treasure indicate where your heart is? Have you surrendered your treasure to God? Who has influenced your life by their generosity?

Response – Thank God for his blessings in your life. Recognize that what you have belongs to God. Appreciate the blessings of others without wanting those things for yourself. Follow God by surrendering your treasure to Him. Allow Him to lead you in being generous with others and investing in His work through the church.

Prayer – Gracious God, you are the giver of every good and perfect gift. Thank you for all of life’s blessings and help me to be a good steward of what you have entrusted to me. I want to bless others so they will be thankful to you. Please use my treasure to mark eternity. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen!