The English Dictionary defines “generosity” as “the quality of being kind and generous” and “the quality or fact of being plentiful or large.” However, the Hebrew meaning of the word “generous,” as found in the Bible, is “noble” and “willing.”
From these definitions, we can see that while the world speaks of generosity from the standpoint of “quantity,” the Bible speaks of it from the standpoint of “quality”—a matter of the heart! While the world emphasizes “how much” we give, the Bible instructs us that it is about “how” we give.
Sadly, “generosity” is one of those concepts within the church that has been significantly adulterated by the world. This can be seen in how often generosity within the church is confined to giving out of the abundance we possess.
When we have plenty, we are inclined to give. But when we have little or nothing for ourselves, we often don’t even consider giving, convincing ourselves that even God wouldn’t expect us to be generous when we don’t have enough.
Much like the adulteration of many of God’s commands, Satan has deceived the church regarding “generosity” as well.
This is why it is essential to teach “generosity” accurately from the pulpit, in keeping with the truth of God’s Word. Here are some sermon ideas to help you teach your congregation about “generosity” as you prepare to deliver a good sermon.
1. A Call to be Generous
Teach your congregation that generosity is a posture of the heart that God commands of every individual who has decided to follow Christ. It is a calling placed on every disciple, not just a select few.
While the ideologies of the world have infiltrated the Church, leading us to believe we are to give only when we have plenty, you can teach that generosity has little to do with how much we possess and everything to do with how “willing” we are to give of whatever we have.
2. Principles of Generosity
Since “giving” and “generosity” are matters of the heart rather than what we possess, it is helpful to share biblical principles of generosity with your congregation. This will help them understand what God expects of us and the attitude He desires in us to be generous. Some principles to consider are:
- Generosity is an act of submission and worship to the Lord.
- Generosity invites people to witness God at work within us.
- We need the right motivation in giving.
- Generosity reflects what our hearts are set on.
- Generosity that does not involve sacrifice is no generosity at all.
- Acts of generosity must always be coupled with the fruit of the Spirit.
3. Generosity is ‘Courageous Faith in Action’
God calls us to be generous, regardless of how much we possess. It is especially crucial that our generosity always points the receiver to God rather than to the abundance of our possessions.
What better way can this be accomplished than by being generous amid adversity and lack, rather than in abundance? This certainly calls for a lot of courage on the part of the generous, doesn’t it?
Paul speaks of the generosity of the church in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8:2-3), emphasizing that “in the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”
He testifies that “they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” Their generosity shows their courageous faith that He who called them is able to meet all their needs when they are generous even in adversity and poverty.
4. Being Generous Beyond Money
Generosity is a posture of the heart—one that is submissive to God, trusting in Him, and willing to courageously give of all that He has given us.
Contrary to popular belief, generosity is not only about giving money but also about giving anything we possess that another may need—resources, skills, and even time.
This might mean taking time to help someone with a resume, listening to someone who has had a rough experience even though you’ve had a tiring day, or opening your home to someone who has just relocated and is homesick.
When we think of all that God has blessed us with, we become more sensitive to the lack in those around us and more aware of the ways in which we can be generous.
5. Contentment is the Key that Unlocks the Door of Generosity
We can be generous whether in abundance or adversity only when we have learned to be content with whatever we have.
The apostle Paul testifies that he has learned to live with plenty and with nothing, to be content in every situation. He even writes to his spiritual son Timothy that “godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Teaching and nurturing your congregation to be content irrespective of their circumstances is to hand them the key with which they can confidently and courageously unlock generosity every time.
Generosity is the necessary outward evidence of a disciple of Christ who is inwardly content, committed, and courageous in living out their faith in Christ.
Feed and nurture your congregation with the biblical truths they need to become the disciples God has called them to be.
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