0

How can we grow in generosity?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked May 04 2022 My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

1
Mini Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army
It's a matter of moving away from a self-centered mindset. Nothing that any of us has is truly ours. Everything is a gift from God, to be used for His purposes. As Paul said in 1 Timothy 6, we are all born with nothing, and can take nothing with us when we die. Especially for Christians, there should be an awareness of both the spiritual and material needs of others and of wanting to help them fill those needs (Acts 2:44-45).

It is also a matter of truly having an ever-increasing faith in Jesus' words in Matthew 6:25-34 that God will provde for the genuine needs of those who follow Him.

May 05 2022 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


0
My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church
NT instances of Liberality are listed in Nave's Topical Bible as:

Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 2:44, 45; 4:32-37; in Antioch, Acts 11:29; at Philippi, Phil. 4:18; Corinth, 2 Cor. 8:19; 9:1-13;

Macedonia, 2 Cor. 8:1-4.

Instances of Giving, also in NAVE'S, are:

The early Christians, Acts 2:44, 45; 4:34-37; 6:1-3; 11:29, 30; 24:17; Rom. 15:25-28; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:1-4, 11, 12, 14. 

(classic.net.bible.org/dictionary)

Give Willingly
Notice what Paul says, describing the desperately poor Macedonia church:

“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations…” (2 Corinthians 8:3-5).

When we understand the grace of God, we won’t need to be coerced into giving; like the believers of the Macedonia church, we will deeply desire to be generous. This isn’t a matter of what you “have” or “don’t have,” Paul says, this is a matter of being willing in your heart.

“… if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:11). 

Meaning, that generosity doesn’t begin in the wallet, it begins in the heart.

If your heart has been changed by Jesus and His grace, there should be an eager willingness to be generous to the work of the Lord. That’s why Jesus pointed out in Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” That means the greatest sign of a changed heart is a generous heart.--Pastor Frank Santora

May 07 2022 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining