Generosity
Also translated as “goodness,” generosity is about
being honorable and charitable. For some, giving is
even considered a spiritual gift. If God has given
you much, you can serve Him by sharing it with
others.
Giving is about faithfulness, desire, and the ability
to God’s resources of money and talents as much
as it is about donating money to the church.
10 examples of generosity in the Bible
1. Dorcas’ acts of charity (Acts 9:36-42)
Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, was known for her charitable
works. She helped the poor in whatever ways she was able.
She gave her talent and time, making clothes for the needy.
Let’s use our time and talents to help those in need, whether
it’s sewing clothes, cooking, fixing vehicles, or any other skill
we have.
2. The Macedonian church’s generosity (2 Corinthians 8:2-5)
Despite their own poverty, the Macedonian church was remarkably
generous in supporting others, and God miraculously made them
more able to give than they’d expected.
Let’s give when we have plenty as well as when we don’t. Instead of
dreaming about all the ways we will be more generous one day when
we have the means, allow giving to others to be a constant privilege,
a rich part of our life, no matter our circumstances.
3. Ruth’s loyalty and generosity (Ruth 1-4)
In the time this story took place, it was customary for widows to
return to their homelands after the death of a husband to be cared
for by their own people. But when Naomi’s husband and two adult
sons all died within a short period of time, her daughter-in-law Ruth
refused to leave Naomi to suffer alone.
Let’s show kindness and loyalty to our family and friends, especially
in time of need. Reach out to a widow or single mother we know, and
offer her a helping hand.
4. Abraham’s hospitality (Genesis 18:1-8)
Abraham hurried to welcome three strangers and showed them
great hospitality, asking Sarah to bake bread and slaughtering a
valuable calf for their meal. What he did not know at the time was
that he was entertaining angels.
Let’s open our home and heart to others, even when we feel
inconvenienced. Welcome and care for people who visit us, making
them feel valued and loved. We never know when you might be
entertaining angels, too.
5. The widow of Zarephath’s trust (1 Kings 17:7-16)
The Lord told Elijah to find this widow in Zarephath; she would provide for
him. But when Elijah found her, the woman didn’t even have enough food
for her son and herself to survive. Still, she had faith, and gave what the
only things she had left. And the Lord filled her jars of flour and oil,
ensuring they were never empty.
In all circumstances, Christian generosity is a response to faith.
There will always be a reason, an excuse, not to give. This widow
certainly had a good one. She and her son were starving to death.
But she had gave anyway. Do not let your excuses keep you from
the joy and blessings that come from giving.
6. Zacchaeus’ repentance (Luke 19:1-10)
When Zacchaeus, a tax collector, met Jesus, he repented of his life of
greed. He pledged to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay
those he had cheated. The law required someone who had wronged
another to pay back 120 percent; Zacchaeus offered to pay 400! And
he offered to give half of his possessions to the poor (which was not
required of him). He was so full of joy that generosity just poured out.
Clothe ourselves with the humility necessary to acknowledge and
rectify past wrongs, even if it means making significant sacrifices.
Allow God’s lovingkindness to lead you to repentance, and let yourself
be filled with the joy of your salvation.
7. The Shunammite woman’s service to God’s messenger (2
Kings 4:8-37)
This Shunammite woman didn’t just welcome and care for Elisha
once or twice; she continually gave to him, even going so far as to
build a room just for him.
Revolutionize the way we give by framing our giving to people as a
gift offered to God. Make plans to regularly host those who serve
God and set apart a space in our home for these holy visitors.
8. A little boy’s lunch (John 6:5-13)
Jesus accepted a young boy’s humble lunch of five barley loaves
and two fish and performed the miracle of multiplying it to feed
5,000 people. On this day, a child in the crowd had more faith than
Jesus’ own disciples. The Scripture doesn’t mention any concern
about his gift not being enough. He just gave what little he had, and
Jesus made it enough for a multitude.
Be willing to share what we have, even if it seems insignificant,
knowing that God is a multiplier of gifts. And your willingness to
share your resources, talents, or time just might lead to unexpected
blessings you would never even imagine.
9. Joseph of Arimathea’s gift in death (Matthew 27:57-60)
After Jesus’ crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and
respected member of the Jewish council, approached Pilate and
requested permission to bury Jesus’ body. Without hesitation, he
placed Jesus in his own tomb and sealed the entrance with a large
stone.
Let our awareness that all things belong to God grow in this way: Be
willing to let go of and give our own resources, even if God is calling
us to give something we’ve planned to keep for ourselves.
10. The widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44)
Jesus observed a poor widow giving two small coins as an offering at
the temple. He praised her for her great generosity, as she gave all
she had (while also subtly calling attention to the fact that a widow
should’ve been receiving support from the temple treasury, and she
was paying into it!).
Be willing to give sacrificially, even if it seems like a small amount,
even if we had a need that made us a recipient of generosity. Our
generosity matters, no matter the size of your gift.
Romans 12:6-8
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of
us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with
your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then
teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is
giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it
is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Conclusion:
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and
whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 And God is able
to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that
you need, you will abound in every good work.