Generosity is a core principle of what it means to follow Jesus, and when we practice generosity, we reflect both our gratitude for God’s blessings in our life and our trust in his ongoing provision.
Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages us to honor the Lord with our wealth, promising that our barns will be “filled to overflowing.” And the kind of “wealth” referred to here isn’t just about money, but about every resource God entrusts to us: our time, our talents, our spiritual gifts, and more. This means that any time we invest ourselves in helping relieve another person’s burden, we’re making a God-honoring choice.
So, how can we make the practice of generosity a more frequent part of our lives? Let me give you three straightforward places to start.
Trust God
Giving is never just about money; it’s about trust. When we offer God our first and best, we’re making a bold declaration: God, I trust you to take care of me. That kind of trust changes us! It draws us closer to the heart of our Father and reminds us that he is always faithful to provide.
Generosity isn’t something God needs from us—it’s something he wants for us. When we hold tightly to what we have, fear and scarcity can take root, but when we trust him with open hands, our faith grows, and our hearts start to align with his purposes.
This week, ask yourself: Am I giving God my best, or just what’s left over?
Trust him with the first and best of your resources, and watch how he meets your needs in sometimes surprising ways. Let this kind of generosity deepen your walk with him.
Plan Your Giving
In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Paul gives us a simple yet powerful instruction: plan your giving. Setting aside a portion of our income regularly isn’t just practical—it’s a spiritual discipline connected to right living that ensures our generosity is intentional and not an afterthought. This habit helps us prioritize what matters most: God’s kingdom work.
When we give with consistency, we’re reminded that generosity isn’t tied to how much we have in the moment but to the faithfulness of God who provides. Planned giving also shapes our hearts, teaching us to live with an open-handed trust that honors God and blesses others.
Take a moment this week to reflect: Is my giving intentional or sporadic? What might need to change in my life for generosity to become my regular rhythm of worship?
Plan your giving for this next week, month, or season, and watch how God uses it to grow his kingdom—and in the process, grow your faith.
Sticking to Your Plan
In 1 Corinthians 16:3-4, Paul emphasizes the importance of accountability when it comes to handling church finances, an exhortation we can apply to personal finances, too. He knew that trust is a cornerstone of healthy community, and transparency in giving builds that trust.
When we follow a consistent plan for generosity, it becomes a habit that reflects God’s character—faithful, dependable, and good, and the best way to make that plan stick over the long haul is by soliciting accountability. Take time this week to examine your giving. Assuming you’re now open to following a thoughtful plan, think through how you’ll stay accountable to that plan. Which trusted friend or loved one can you make aware of the high points of your financial plan so that you’re sure to stick to it over time?
The Impact of Generosity
Generosity is a real bridge-builder. When you offer a word of encouragement, a heartfelt prayer, or a material resource to someone, you pave a path of connection between you and him or her. The ultimate example of this, of course, is seen in the life of Jesus, who left heaven to come to earth in human form. By offering that generous gift, he extended a point of connection to you and me that we could never, ever afford.
As we celebrate the second week of Advent this week, let’s remember that we are called to create space for Christ’s peace to dwell within us. And we are called to emulate him as we give generously to a world in need.
I love being your pastor—
Brady