What is generosity?
Discuss.
Generosity is the act or the willingness
to give money, help or kindness etc.
especially more than usual or expected.
In the bible, generosity also means the
act of giving freely and sacrificially,
without grudges or complains.
Reflection Time
• Who was generous to you recently?
• What could they have done with their time, energy,
or money that they instead gave to you?
• Have you ever acted or looked generous on the
outside but on the inside you felt forced, unwilling
and necessitated to do something?
• Can there be generosity if there is no sacrifice?
• Have you ever experienced the generosity of God in
your life?
Facts about generosity
Generosity is a simple act:
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with
such sacrifices God is pleased”. Hebrews 13:16.
This simply means that sharing what you have is the simplest
expression of generosity.
Generosity is all about the heart:
“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to
hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing”
1 Corinthians 13:3.
The bible says that giving to others freely and willingly is tied to
loving others. Without loving the people around us, even the
smallest acts of kindness are meaningless.
Generosity is not all about money:
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and
to be generous and willing to share”. 1
Timothy 6:18.
Giving our time, resources, talents or even a listening ear or a
kind word can be expressions of generosity to people in need.
Generosity is a blessing:
“…..remembering the words the Lord himself said: ‘it is more
blessed to give than to receive’.
Acts 20:35.
The bible teaches us that when we give, we gain it may seem
illogical but it is a blessed truth.
Examples of generous people in the
bible
• Dorcas' acts of charity: Acts 9:36-42.
• Ruth’s loyalty and generosity: Ruth 1-4.
• Abraham’s hospitality: Genesis 18:1-8.
• The Macedonian church's generosity: 2 Corinthians 8:2-5
• The widow of Zarephath’s trust: 1 Kings 17: 7-16
• The Shunammite woman hospitality towards Elisha: 2 Kings 4:8-10
• Joseph of Arimathea giving Jesus his tomb: Matthew 27:57-60
• The good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-27.
• ???
Simple ways we can show
generosity
• Checking in on people.
• Being a real friend in time of need.
• Listening to people.
• Sharing our things with people.
• Playing with people.
• Talking to people.
• Accepting people with their flaws.
• Complimenting people.
• Buying someone something e.g food, clothes etc.
Q&A
THANK YOU