Giving Matters
Money can activate either greed or generosity within us. When God urges us to share our financial resources for the good of others, He doesn’t do so by appealing to guilt or obligation. God tells us that we can invest in things that really matter by sharing the money that’s been entrusted to us. It’s an investment that pays dividends. If we give, we’ll reap a harvest of blessing. When you become a person who gives generously, you are becoming like Jesus.
Discussion Questions
You can use your money in three ways: give, save, spend. Describe your perspective on each of these three outlets for your money. Which are the most challenging and why?
Around our church, we acknowledge that one of the characteristics of a Christlike influencer is giving generously. In what ways is God generous? (look at John 3:16 and Mark 10:45) Would you consider yourself a generous giver?
Read Luke 21:1-4. What observations does Jesus make about the rich and the poor in this account?
People can be genuinely interested in how much God wants them to give. Read Malachi 3:8-10. To whom is God speaking in this passage? Is tithing (10% of income) a requirement for a believer in Jesus? Why or why not?
God is more concerned with how you give rather than how much. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. What principles of New Testament (grace) giving do you find in this passage?
Read 2 Corinthians 9:10-11. How are you encouraged by these words? What steps do you need to take to become or continue to be a generous giver?
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