Growing a Generous Heart: Learning from God’s Example
Why Giving Matters to God
The Bible teaches us something wonderful about giving – it should come from a happy heart! As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This means God cares more about why we give than how much we give.
God showed us the greatest example of giving when He gave us Jesus. As John 3:16 tells us: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” When we give, we’re following God’s example!
What Real Giving Looked Like in the Early Church
The first Christians showed us something amazing about sharing. The Bible says in Acts 4:32: “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.”
These early believers:
- Shared what they had
- Didn’t act like their stuff belonged just to them
- Made sure everyone had enough
Getting Past What Holds Us Back
Sometimes it’s hard to share what we have. We might worry about not having enough, or we might want to keep buying more things. But Jesus gives us wise advice in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This means that when we give to help others, we’re investing in something that lasts forever!
Making a Plan to Give
The Bible shows us that giving works best when we plan for it. Paul told the early Christians in 1 Corinthians 16:2: “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper.” This helps us:
- Give Regularly
- Make giving a normal part of life
- Remember to put God first
- Be better at managing our money
- Give What We Can
- Everyone can give something
- Be faithful with what we have
- Grow in giving over time
How Our Giving Makes a Forever Difference
God promises to take care of us when we give. In Philippians 4:19, Paul writes: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Jesus also tells us in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Simple Steps to Start Giving God’s Way
- Pray About It
- Ask God to show you where to give
- Think about how you can give more
- Look for ways to help others
- Make a Plan
- Decide how much you’ll give
- Set up regular giving
- Check how it’s going sometimes
- Work with Others
- Help with church projects
- Look for needs in your community
- Team up with others to do good
The Joy of Giving
When we give God’s way, something amazing happens. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
Giving isn’t just about money – it changes how we see everything. We learn that when we give, we actually receive more – not always in money, but in joy and in knowing we’re doing what God wants. It’s like being part of God’s big plan to help people and show His love.
Remember: giving isn’t a burden – it’s an exciting way to join in God’s work of blessing others. And that’s something we can all be part of!
