Be Generous
Generosity is a precious characteristic of God. It gives in abundance to the needs it sees. It is the outpouring of a grateful and open heart, first to God and then to the recipient.
What does the Bible say about being generous? -
- Generosity from heart - Acts 4:32-37
- Following Jesus' generosity - 2 Corinthians 8:9-13
- Give as God will give - Luke 6:38
- Generosity from poverty - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Generosity from heart
Acts 4:32-37
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What attitudes did the believers have toward one another and God?
- How do the different people express their generosity?
- How did the leaders use that which was entrusted to them?
Thoughts to consider
Generosity is an overflow of the heart. It is seen in attitude rather than amounts.
Following Jesus' Generosity
2 Corinthians 8:9-13
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How has Jesus shown his generosity?
- What is the attitude and measure of generosity being taught here?
Thoughts to consider
Jesus was generous not just with what he had but with his life. We follow in his footsteps, yet there are limits to generosity.
Give as God will give
Luke 6:38
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What does Jesus say will happen to those who are generous?
- How does God the father give back to those who give?
Thoughts to consider
The Lord who sees all our needs gives generously. When he sees someone with an open heart giving generously, he knows that this person can be entrusted with much more.
Generosity from poverty
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What attitude do you see in these people towards giving to others?
- What does it mean to give themselves first to the Lord?
Thoughts to consider
These people who gave were filled with joy that overflowed in generosity. They opened their hearts to God, and as they did so generosity poured out of them. There is nothing mechanistic or calculating here. This is the fruit of gratitude to God.
Overview question for reflection or discussion
- How do you see God expressing his generosity?
- How could you respond to God with generosity?
Thoughts to consider
The Lord desires to pour out his love into our hearts. That can only be done if our hearts are open. When they are open, it will be seen with a generous and giving attitude towards others. The two cannot be separated out.
