Generosity

Generosity

MY QUESTION for GOD

What would generosity look like in my life?

A MOMENT with GOD

While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

Luke 21:1-4

[Jesus said,] “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Matthew 6:21

Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 13:16

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

2 Corinthians 9:7

Who is more generous—a billionaire who gives one million dollars to his church or a poor single mom who gives a hundred? But if you do have a lot of money, does that mean you are not generous? Jesus said you can’t know the answer to these questions without knowing the heart of the giver. One thing is clear: Whatever you spend your money on reveals what you care about most. God doesn’t focus on how much money you have but on how generous you are with it. It’s not what you have but what you do with what you have that’s significant—whether it’s money, time, or talents. Generosity is both a spiritual gift and a spiritual discipline. Generosity comes easy to some people; others must work hard at it. But no one can afford to neglect it. Generosity is an important character trait in God’s eyes because it is the opposite of selfishness. Selfishness promotes greed, stinginess, envy, and hard-heartedness—all traits that destroy relationships. Generosity promotes giving, trust, mercy, and putting the needs of others above your own—all traits that build relationships. And true generosity involves sacrifice, which is the key to changing stinginess into selflessness. When you realize that everything you have is a gift from our generous God, you will be motivated to share your material resources and earthly possessions more freely.

DIVINE PROMISE

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Acts 20:35