God Always Calls His Followers To Generosity
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly father, help me be open-handed with my finances and see opportunities to be generous. Amen.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
REFLECT:
The idea of generosity didn’t originate with humans, it came from God. The principle of being generous was God’s heart on display. God showed us generosity when he sent his son Jesus Christ to die for our sins so that we could have salvation and life to the fullest (see John 3:16).
When we follow Jesus with all our hearts, we can’t help but become more generous the longer we follow him. That’s what Paul was writing to us about in the verses above, being generous with others and being blessings to others becomes our nature when filled with God’s presence.
APPLY:
Think of some practical ways you can begin practicing generosity. Maybe it’s paying for the person's meal in the drive through behind you, maybe it’s beginning to donate to a non-profit or increasing your giving to the local church. It could be that you know someone in your life that has a need you have the means to meet. It could be that someone needs a car and you have an extra one at home. However you feel led to practice generosity, know you are making a difference each time you give. Nothing you generously give will ever be wasted. Sacrificial giving honors God and points people toward him.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly father, develop in me a heart of generosity. Help me live with your kingdom in mind and make wise choices with my finances. Amen.
CONTINUED READING:
James 2:14-20, Matthew 5:13-16
WORSHIP: