This blog unpacks Pastor Lee Cummings’ Sermon from November 17, 2024

Generosity is more than an act or behavior; it is an attitude that reflects the goodness of God.

LET'S BREAK IT DOWN:

We live in a world that values self-preservation. We hold tight to what we have, protecting what we own to benefit the people we love and ourselves. Somewhere along the way, moments of generosity get thrown in. But generosity isn't really about temporary or fleeting moments when we give out of reluctance or force; it is designed to permeate every aspect of our existence.

You can give without generosity, but you cannot have a generous spirit without giving.

Proverbs 11:24-25 tells us, "There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself."

This verse challenges us to consider: what if the key to a truly abundant life is found in giving freely?

Before we can honestly give, we must cultivate a heart of thanksgiving.

Here’s 7 Things You Need To Know About Generosity:

1. Generosity is More than an Action, it is an Attitude and a Spirit

James 1:17 reminds us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights."

Read that again: Every good and perfect gift is from above.

Practice daily thanksgiving: Take time each day to list the blessings in your life, recognizing God as the source.

2. Generosity Doesn't Begin with Giving, it Begins with Thanksgiving

We are reminded that our role is to manage what we've been given in a way that honors God and aligns with His kingdom values. This means being faithful, wise, and generous with our resources rather than viewing them from a self-preservation perspective. If we shift our focus from ownership to responsibility and from entitlement to gratitude and generosity, we reflect His plans for a generous spirit.

Look for opportunities to give: Start small if needed, but be intentional about finding ways to bless others.

3. Generosity is God's Antidote to the Virus of Greed

Generosity is a spirit that affects not just our money but our entire lives. The love of money, which 1 Timothy 6:10 warns is "the root of all kinds of evil," is something we are all susceptible to. It's ingrained in our DNA and sinful nature. When we actively choose generosity, we inoculate ourselves against this spiritual disease. The cure to greed requires the polar opposite: love for other people.

Examine your motives: When you give, check your heart. Are you giving to get or giving out of love?

4. You Can Give Without Generosity, but You Cannot Have a Generous Spirit Without Giving

Many people think generosity is tithing, but tithing is merely returning to the Lord what He designates to be separated for His house. It's crucial to understand that one can give without being generous, but true generosity always results in giving. The difference lies in the heart. A greedy giver sees giving as transactional, while a generous giver sees it as transformational. One seeks personal gain; the other seeks kingdom impact.

Steward all resources: Remember that your time, talents, and wisdom are gifts to be shared generously.

5. You Never Look More Like the God You Worship Than When You Give With Others in Mind

When we give with others in mind, we mirror the very heart of God. We serve a God who gave His only begotten Son the greatest sacrifice He could offer. When our generosity takes on this framework, we have an opportunity to participate in His divine nature, becoming like the One we worship.

Participate in divine generosity: When you participate in self-sacrifice, you reflect the Spirit of the Father.

6. The Spirit of Mammon is a Powerful Force in Our Culture Today

Jesus warned that we cannot serve both God and mammon. Mammon isn't just money; the Spirit behind it promises security, power, and fulfillment apart from God. This Spirit has a magnetic pull in our culture, constantly vying for our allegiance. This Spirit can strongly influence our priorities, leading us to trust in wealth for our identity and future instead of trusting God. When we place our identity in the things of this world, our identity will never be fulfilled.

Resist the pull of mammon: Be aware of the cultural message that promote greed and self-preservation.

7. You Were Created to Live Out of a Growing Generous Spirit

Imagine a life lived through the lens of generosity. Instead of asking, "How can I get more?" we begin to ask, "How can I be a blessing? How can I encourage? How can I help? How can I sow? How can I give unto eternity?" This shift in perspective opens up our lives in remarkable ways.

God promises that if He can trust us as conduits, or stewards, of His blessings, we will never lack anything we need.

Trust God's provision: As you give, lean into the promise that God will meet all your needs.

Living with a spirit of generosity is countercultural.

It requires faith, intentionality, and, often, sacrifice. But the rewards—both spiritual and relational—are immeasurable. As we cultivate generous hearts, we participate in something far greater than mere accumulation:

We become conduits of God's love and provision in a world desperate for both.

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:

Day 1: The Spirit of Generosity

Reading: Proverbs 11:24-30

Devotional: God's economy often seems counterintuitive to our human understanding. As we read in Proverbs, "There is one who scatters, yet increases more." This paradox invites us to trust in God's abundant provision. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be holding back out of fear or self-preservation. How might God be calling you to step out in faith and generosity? Remember, a generous spirit isn't just about money—it's about our whole approach to life. Consider how you can be more generous with your time, talents, and encouragement today. As you do, trust that God will expand your capacity for love and service.

Day 2: Thanksgiving as the Foundation

Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Devotional: Gratitude is the soil in which generosity grows. Today's passage reminds us to "give thanks in all circumstances." This doesn't mean we're thankful for difficult situations, but rather that we cultivate an awareness of God's presence and goodness even amid challenges. Take time to list specific blessings in your life, from the profound to the seemingly mundane. How might a spirit of thanksgiving change your perspective on what you have to offer others? Ask God to help you see your resources—whether material, emotional, or spiritual —through His eyes of abundance rather than a lens of scarcity.

Day 3: Stewardship and God's Ownership

Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, James 1:17

Devotional: Today's readings remind us that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are merely stewards of His resources. This shift in perspective can be liberating—we're not owners, but trusted managers of God's blessings. How does this change how you view your possessions, talents, and opportunities? Reflect on areas where you might be holding too tightly to things as if they were your own. Ask God for the grace to hold all things with open hands, ready to use them for His purposes and glory. Consider one practical way you can exercise faithful stewardship today.

Day 4: Generosity as an Antidote to Greed

Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Matthew 6:19-21

Devotional: The love of money is a powerful force, but generosity is God's antidote to greed. Today's passages warn us about the dangers of materialism while pointing us toward eternal treasures. Reflect on what you consider to be your "treasures." Where is your heart truly invested? Ask God to reveal any areas where greed or materialism might be taking root. Then, consider a specific act of generosity that might feel challenging but could help reorient your heart toward God's kingdom values. Remember, every generous act is a step away from greed and toward Christlikeness.

Day 5: Reflecting God's Character

Reading: John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Devotional: Our God is fundamentally generous—He gave His only Son for us. When we live generously, we reflect His character to the world. Today's readings remind us that God loves a cheerful giver and is able to make all grace abound to us. As you reflect on God's extravagant love, consider how you might "abound in every good work." This isn't about guilt or obligation, but about joyfully participating in God's generous nature. Ask the Holy Spirit to cultivate a spirit of abundance and joyful giving in your heart. How might your life look different if you approached each day asking, "How can I be a blessing to others today?"