Principle
Lessons on Generosity
God gives freely, so we can give freely.
6 lessons
You Choose First: Abram and LotGenesis 13:1-18; Genesis 12:7; Philippians 2:3-8; Galatians 3:16Abram and his nephew Lot had so many sheep, goats and cattle that the land couldn't hold them both, and their herdsmen started fighting. Abram, the older man God had made a promise to, could have taken the best land. Instead he said, "Let there be no fighting between us. You choose first." Lot looked out, saw the green, well-watered Jordan plain and took it for himself. Then God told Abram to look north, south, east and west – "All the land that you see, I will give to you." We can be generous and let others go first, because God has promised to take care of us.Old TestamentGenerosity
With Building BricksMore Than Enough: Building the TabernacleExodus 35:4-36:7; Exodus 25:1-9; Exodus 40:33-38; Exodus 12:35-36; John 1:14God rescued His people from Egypt, and He wanted to live right in the middle of their camp. He asked everyone whose heart was willing to bring gifts to build the tabernacle, a holy tent where He would dwell. The people brought gold, silver, cloth, wood and jewels – so much that the builders said, "The people are bringing more than enough!" and Moses had to tell them to stop. When the tabernacle was finished, God's glory filled it. We give gladly, because God gave to us first and wants to be with us.Old TestamentGenerosity
The Widow’s OfferingMark 12:38-44; Luke 21:1-4At the temple, Jesus watched people put money into the offering box. Rich people gave lots of money. Then a poor widow gave two tiny coins. Jesus said she gave more than all of them, because she gave everything she had. God sees our hearts, and He loves when we give with love.New TestamentGenerosity
Jesus the KingJesus Feeds 5,000John 6:1-14; 2 Kings 4:42-44When a huge, hungry crowd followed Jesus, a boy shared five small loaves and two fish, and Jesus gave thanks and fed everyone, with twelve baskets left over.New TestamentGenerosity
A Beautiful Gift: Mary Anoints JesusJohn 12:1-8; Mark 14:3-9Six days before the Passover, Jesus' friends in Bethany gave a dinner for Him. Martha served, and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, sat at the table. Then Mary brought a jar of very expensive perfume worth about a year's pay. She poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair, and the whole house was filled with the fragrance. Judas complained that it was a waste. But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She has done a beautiful deed to Me." Jesus is worth our very best.New TestamentGenerosity
The Church BeginsThe Church SharesActs 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-37The first Christians loved each other so much that they shared everything they had. They ate together, prayed together and made sure no one was in need. Barnabas even sold a field and gave the money to help.New TestamentGenerosity