Reflections on GENEROUS

by Scott Landon, Executive Director

During our June sermon series, we were challenged to go after a lifestyle of generosity. At the end of the series, each of us had the opportunity to respond by writing down what we believed God was saying to us about generosity. As I’ve read through those response cards and reflected on my notes from the GENEROUS series, several thoughts still resonate.

From Pastor Rob’s first sermon: 

“Generosity,” Rob reminded us, “is a heart thing. It’s not a duty. It’s what you do when you’re in love. It’s what you do when you are loved. And to the extent we see and we believe in the radical love God has shown us in His Son—in the Gospel—we will be people who are generous.”

As I share updates on our giving and other financial matters, it is always my desire that you see those reports and needs overshadowed by that understanding of generosity:
our response to His radical love.

A few weeks later we were reminded that everything we have is God’s. Remember the hand exercises Lon Allison led on June 17, asking us to consider what kinds of givers we are?

• Closed fists: limited/casual giver or not a giver
• Opening fists, but it’s a struggle: reluctant giver
• Opening and closing fists several times: growing/thoughtful giver
• Open hands, releasing with joy: generous giver

Then, on the final week of the series, we filled out the cards. Two of your responses stand out to me:

“The question is not how much of mine I give to God, but how much of God’s I keep.”

“God is saying to me that I need to make my giving an act of worship, not obligation. I need to be compelled by His love and His giving of everything to me to give back to Him, instead of following a rule or checking a box. I need to stop feeling prideful or satisfied with my current level of giving. I need to not let fear keep me from giving.”

As followers of Christ, you and I will be generous people to the extent we are transformed by and live in light of what God has done for us in the radical generosity of Christ crucified.

It is Pastor Rob’s prayer, and mine as well, that we be so blown away by God’s radical love for us—and the forgiveness that comes from the Crucifixion—and that we will give out of hearts totally captivated by God and by what He’s done for us.

Thank God for the truth of His Word and all it can teach us about how to live and how to give! May we come before Him and give joyfully as an act of worship. May we live lives of radical generosity!

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. —2 Corinthians 9:10-11

What is God saying to me about generosity?
More of your responses!

“I have forgotten my first love. . . . I will resume my tithe.”

“Learn disciplines of planning, budgeting, and saving in order to give more.” 

“Having a willing attitude is part of the strategy. Need to develop a game plan that puts will and money in action.”

“To not be fearful but give in faith.”

“My generosity can inspire others to believe in God’s promises and understand Christ’s sacrifice. I never thought about my giving as being part of my testimony for Christ before.”

Want to learn more? Watch the GENEROUS Sermon Series online here.