This blog unpacks guest speaker Mike Popenhagen’s sermon from the Church in the Wild series on July 21, 2024: How to Grow in Generosity

Generosity is not an income issue. It's actually a posture of your heart.

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN:

Did you know that some of the richest cities in the United States are some of the least generous when it comes to tithing or giving within the Church?

Idaho, of all places, is one of the most generous states.

Think about that: middle of nowhere, rural, corn field Idaho is more generous than NYC or LA.

This is proof that income does not determine our poverty level, but the willingness and posture of our heart does.

When Paul writes to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians Chapter 8, he’s writing to a group of people that reflect the population of some of our biggest cities today. They are wealthy, abundant in resources, and diverse.

But, just because they were wealthy doesn’t mean that they were spiritually rich.

Paul challenges the Corinthians to reconsider their level of giving, and uses the word “grace” to do so. Giving with a generous heart is a divine act. The grace of God empowers believers to give beyond what they are capable of with the promise that He will provide.

When it comes to giving, the question lies within if we are being honest with ourselves.

Start asking, God, what do you want me to sacrifice? Not, how much can I afford?

Sacrifice is when you give up something you love for something you love even more.

Sacrifice isn’t about how much is going to be left after you’ve given, but how much abundance you will gain when you trust in God’s timing and plan for your life.

Sacrifice doesn’t just have to be money, but it can be time, investment, and relationships that help build the Kingdom.

How lucky are we to love a God who is worthy of all of our sacrifice.

When you live generously, you increase the Kingdom of God.

If there’s one thing you can have confidence in, it’s that the Holy Spirit will never lead you down a path you aren’t meant to go down.

Listen for His voice. Ask Him to increase your capacity to give. Pray for vision.

God will meet all of your needs. You just have to trust Him.