Generosity Explained

BECAUSE GOD GAVE FIRST…

“For God so loved the world that he gave…” John 3:16

Made in His image (Imago Dei), we are to reflect His generosity to the world.    

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

BECAUSE OF PARTNERSHIP…

Non-profits depend on profits for funding.

Ministry is a partnership built on trust that all involved will do their part.  “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” Romans 12: 4-5

BECAUSE IT’S A HEART ISSUE…

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:21

Money says trust me, get more of me, find security in me.  God says trust me, get more of me, find security in me.  You can’t obey both.  Giving is not only an indication of where your heart is, but also a means of moving your heart to a closer walk with God.

BECAUSE GOD OWNS IT ALL…

There is nothing we have that we didn’t receive. ”…And what do you have that you did not receive?” 1 Corinthians 4:7

We are stewards, and God cares greatly that we take full advantage of His benefits entrusted to us.  That we invest them well.  Listen to Luke 12:48, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.”  And 1^st Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”  The word repeated in those verses is required.  This is non-optional.  It’s part of life as a Christian.

BECAUSE GIVING BRINGS JOY…

“… remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

Generosity blesses in the moment, over a lifetime, and in ways that will only be revealed to you in eternity.  When you answer the call to give you experience the joy of alignment of your heart with God’s will.

Jesus didn’t want us to be known as philanthropist.  He wanted us to follow Him, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25