Live Generously

828 Church

Generosity - Giving more of something of value or virtue, than is strictly required or expected.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV

When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. Luke 12:48 NLT

Generous living and giving are how we operate as a family at 828 Church.

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. Acts 2:44-45 NLT

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Malachi 3:10 NLT

By giving yourself completely to God

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1 NLT

When you belong to God, everything you are and have is His.

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints, and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 ESV

Generosity is the only right response to the limitless love we have been given by God.

Strategically - Generosity requires strategic and intentional choosing.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

1 Peter 4:10 ESV

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:24 ESV

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT

The more we try to hold on to what we have the less we have to hold on to.

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. Mark 8:35

Confidently trusting in God

Don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

Without Jesus wealth is not a treasure, it’s trouble.

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

Generosity has more to do with our faith than our finances.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:8-9 NLT

Compassionately

Unless your heart is engaged in your giving you won’t give for long.

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion, how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17 NLT

Unconditionally - Surrender is the only path to true Christ-centered generosity.

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

2 Corinthians 9:10 NLT

To live generously is live and give your life back to the God who gave you life in the first place.