Generous Like My Father

God is extravagantly generous and our generosity is a response and reflection of Him. He is a good Father who gives good gifts to His children.

1. The thread of God’s generosity weaves through His creation, covenants, Israel’s economics, the Gospel, and the Kingdom as He consistently models that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Psalms 65:9-13; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Deuteronomy 7:9; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:3, 7-8; James 1:5; Acts 20:35; Mark 12:41-43. “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you. “The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them.” (Deuteronomy 28:1–14, NKJV)
2. God has blessed us in every way so that we can be generous in every way to advance the gospel. Joyfully giving our time, affection, talents, and money attracts God’s attention, draws heaven’s blessings, produces transformation and enables Him to trust us with the true riches of the Kingdom. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Acts 10:3-6; Malachi 3:10-12; Deuteronomy 8:18; Acts 2:43-47; Matthew 10:7-8; Luke 16:10-13; Acts 4:32-37. “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:6–15, NKJV)
3. Generosity confronts our poverty mentality, changing the way we interact with the world. No longer anxious because we mistakenly believe provision is scarce, we are confident that God multiplies resources and is eager to rescue and prosper people. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:20-21; 1 King 17:10-16; 2 Kings 4:1-7; 3 John 2; Matthew 6:25 -34; Jeremiah 29:11; Deuteronomy 28:11-13; Exodus 3:8; Matthew 14:13-21. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21, NKJV)
4. Generosity releases joy, blessing, and favor into our lives. As we give, it will be given to us pressed down, shaken together, and running over! Luke 6:38; Isaiah 58:6-12; Proverbs 11:25; Acts 2:43-47; Philippians 4:17-19; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Luke 18:29-30; Luke 19:1-10. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”” (Luke 6:38, NKJV)

What does this mean?

1. Generosity is an expression of our trust in God’s provision, a declaration that our treasure is truly in heaven. As I take care of His priorities, He will look after mine. 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Philippians 4:18-19; Acts 4:33-37; Matthew 6:19-33; 2 Corinthians 9:8-12; Genesis 13:5-18. “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:18–19, NKJV)
2. Generosity is a mindset. The poorest person on earth can live generously. Even if we don’t have many resources, we always have something to give. Luke 21:1-4; Mark 6:30-44; 2 Corinthians 8:13-15; Matthew 10:42; Acts 3:1-9.1. “And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”” (Luke 21:1–4, NKJV)
3. We do not only give out of our abundance or convenience. Sacrifice is vital to a lifestyle of generosity. The Lord notices when our giving is costly to us. Luke 21:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4; Luke 6:30-36; Luke 10:30-37; 2 Samuel 24:24-25; Romans 8:32; Mark 9:41. “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” (2 Corinthians 8:1–4, NKJV)
4. Generosity should permeate our marriages, families, businesses, communities, and benefit generations yet to come. Ephesians 5:25; James 1:19; Proverbs 31:16-19; Mark 7:9-13; 2 Corinthians 8:14; 1 Timothy 5:4; John 3:16-18; Leviticus 19:9-10; Proverbs 13:22. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,” (Ephesians 5:25, NKJV)
5. We honor the future generations and desire to see them prosper and do greater things than we have done. John 14:12; Deuteronomy 31:14; Deuteronomy 31:23; 2 Kings 2:9-14; 1 Chronicles 22:5-11; Acts 2:38-39. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:12–14, NKJV)
6. God promised Israel a “land flowing with milk and honey.” Though we do not give just to receive, God is a rewarder and wants to bless us materially as well as spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Exodus 3:8; Luke 6:38; Hebrews 11:6; 3 John 2; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8; Psalms 103:1-5; Proverbs 11:24-25. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV)
7. As seen throughout history, generosity is essential for the healing and development of the nations. God is attracted to generosity in believers and unbelievers alike. Isaiah 58:6-12; 1 Chronicles 29:1-9; Acts 10:1-4; Exodus 35:22-36:5; Nehemiah 2:1-8, 5:14-19; Ezra 1:1-11; Matthew 5:44; Proverbs 25:21. ““Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.” (Isaiah 58:6–12, NKJV)
8. Generosity creates unity. Acts 4:32-37; 2 Corinthians 8:14; 1 John 3:16-18; Philippians 4:10-19; 2 Corinthians 9:12-15. “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:32–37, NKJV)
9. Generosity causes people to be thankful and is an opportunity for others to encounter the Lord’s goodness. 2 Corinthians 9:10-13; Romans 2:4; 2 Kings 6:22-23; Luke 9:12-17; Philippians 4:15-16; Matthew 5:16. “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,” (2 Corinthians 9:10–13, NKJV)
10. The Lord celebrates generosity to the poor and fellow Christians as a gift to Himself. A generous heart cares for the widow and orphan, the marginalized and hurting. Proverbs 14:31, 19:17; James 1:27; Psalms 68:5-6; Luke 19:1-10; Galatians 2:10; Mark 9:41; Matthew 25:34-40; Deuteronomy 15:12-14. “He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.” (Proverbs 14:31, NKJV)

Don’t misunderstand.

1. Being poor, middle-class, or rich is neither a virtue nor a sin. Christians should cooperate with the Holy Spirit according to their situation, assignment, season of life, and/or calling. Some might be in poverty, needing the Kingdom’s generous breakthrough just to survive; some may live simply, needing and creating little wealth, yet still thriving; while others may create and steward wealth to live and give generously and foster society, establishing the poor, creating work and abundance, producing a legacy that benefits themselves, society, and the Kingdom. 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 4:11-13; Luke 9:58; Acts 4:36; Matthew 27:57-60; Acts 20:32-36; 1 Corinthians 4:8-17; Acts 16:14-15; Job 29; Genesis 24:35, 26:12-14; 2 Chronicles 32:26-28; Proverbs 3:9-10; Proverbs 10:22, 22:3-4; 2 Timothy 6:17-19. ““So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.” (Acts 20:32–36, NKJV)
2. Money is not evil but the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. So we do not love it but rather use it to build His Kingdom. It is a tool, and in human hands can be a blessing or a curse. It should never be our master, but it is powerful servant. 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Matthew 6:19-24; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:10-12; Luke 16:8-15. “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:9–10, NKJV)
3. The motivation for giving is more important than what we give. We don’t give out of a sense of guilt or manipulation, nor to impress or control God or His people. 1 Samuel 15:19-23; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Corinthians 13:3; Matthew 6:1-4; 1 John 3:17-18; Acts 5:1-5, 8:18-24. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV)
4. As always, we carefully follow the Holy Spirit’s voice while learning generosity. We do not give impulsively, but rather ask the Father what He thinks about each situation. John 5:19, 16:13; Matthew 19:16-22; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Acts 5:1-5; 1 Samuel 15:19-23. “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19, NKJV)
5. Our generosity should not be at the expense of others. Being generous while consistently not repaying debt or paying bills is not true generosity, but rather presumption, as we are giving away the money promised to another. Mark 7:9-13, 12:17; I Timothy 5:4; Romans 13:7. “He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban”—’ (that is, a gift to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”” (Mark 7:9–13, NKJV)
6. Generosity is often expressed in secret, though it doesn’t have to be in order to bring glory to God. Matthew 6:2-4; 2 Corinthians 8:24, 9:10-15; Acts 4:32-37; 1 Chronicles 29:1-9; Exodus 35:22. “Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:2–4, NKJV)
7. Generosity is a form of honor that we can extend to both the poor and the wealthy. Matthew 6:2-4; 2 Corinthians John 12:1-8; 1 Kings 10:10; Genesis 14:17-20, Luke 23:50-56.8:24, 9:10-15; Acts 4:32-37; 1 Chronicles 29:1-9; Exodus 35:22. “Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:2–4, NKJV)