As children develop language skills we notice some of their first words to be very similar. Perhaps “mama” or “dada,” then “no,” and “mine” follow closely behind! Children soon learn to claim what their want for their own, “my doll, my truck, mine.” Some people go to their grave with “mine” as their favorite word. They never grow out of it. Everything that “belonged” to them now belongs to another. A day comes in everyone’s life when a choice is made. Either you say, “God, everything I am, have, own is yours!” or you say, “It’s all mine. I submit nothing.” When we submit what we have to God, we grow closer to him and it breathes life into our hearts. When we refuse to submit what God has graciously loaned to us, our hearts constrict and our life is left wanting. Many Christ-followers get defeated in the area of generosity. They either think they are supposed to give away everything they own, or feel guilty for enjoying the things they have. As a result they do nothing, try not to think about it and don’t deal with it. 

Scriptures – Acts 20:35; Proverbs 20:35; Romans 12:2; 1 Samuel 30:9-10, 22-24; 2 Samuel 24:24; 1 Chronicles 29:6, 14, 17; 2 Chronicles 9:7; Acts 13:36

Verses – You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Ac 20:35) The one who has a generous eye will be blessed. (Pr 22:9) Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him. (Ro 12:2) “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” (1 Ch 29:14) Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Co 9:7)

Thought – In Proverbs 20:35 it says that if you have a generous eye, you will be blessed. To develop a generous eye, you must focus outside yourself and your own wants and needs. David was a man after God’s own heart. We see his passion for God and generous heart throughout Scripture. On one occasion, David traveled to Mt. Moriah to build an altar as God instructed. He approached the owner of a threshing floor asking to purchase the land and needed materials for the sacrifice. Araunah, the owner, offered to give David the land, materials, everything right down to the wood, and animals for sacrifice. David refused saying, “No, I will pay you for it. I will not offer to the Lord my God sacrifices that have cost me nothing.” (2 Sa 24:24) That is a very insightful statement when you take it to heart. If it costs you nothing, it’s not a sacrifice at all. Later, David desperately wanted to build a house for God, a temple, a place for God to dwell and for the people to worship. God told David that he would not be allowed to do so because he had shed so much blood as a warrior, but Solomon, David’s son, and successor, could one day build the temple. David leads a campaign to gather all the resources he can for building the temple, so that when the time comes, the funds are available. He personally gave extravagantly to the project and with great joy that God had blessed him so richly to be able to give. Gratitude for God’s blessings and a desire to be generous are connected. When you truly recognize that God has given you everything, right down to the air you breathe, your gratitude should result in thanksgiving and generosity.

Questions – Is giving the tithe a sacrifice? Explain. How do you connect gratitude and generosity? What sacrifice are you making to God? David viewed his giving as a privilege. Explain. Have you ever experienced giving in this way? How have you experienced the cycle of giving and receiving? 

Response – Try it, you will like it. The only way to experience the blessing of giving is to give. Take the challenge. Give. Make a sacrifice out of your gratitude for God’s blessings. You will experience the overflow when you give with a heart full of gratitude.

Prayer – Dear God, to you be the glory for all you have put into my care. May I be a good steward of your blessings, full of gratitude and generosity that spills into every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.