In what ways can we be "generous and willing to share" practically? A clear charge from Paul 1 Timothy 6:18: “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and willing to share.” Why generosity matters to God • Scripture is accurate and literal, so the command stands for every believer. • Hebrews 13:16 — “And do not neglect to do good and to share with others…” • Proverbs 11:24 — “One gives freely, yet gains even more…” • Matthew 6:21 — “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Practical ways to be generous with possessions • Budget first-fruits giving: tithes, offerings, regular missions support. • Keep an envelope (or digital fund) ready for emergency needs in the body of Christ. • Stock a “give-away” shelf: extra groceries, toiletries, baby supplies. • Share vehicles, tools, lawn equipment—items that often sit idle. • Sponsor or scholarship someone for a youth camp, retreat, or conference. • Tip generously; honor workers made in God’s image. • Acts 2:45 — “Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.” Practical ways to be generous with time and skills • Offer childcare so young parents can rest or attend a study. • Tutor students or teach ESL without charge. • Use trade skills—plumbing, carpentry, tech help—for widows and single parents. • Visit shut-ins and nursing-home residents; bring worship and conversation. • Volunteer at crisis-pregnancy centers, food banks, or prison ministries. • Ephesians 4:28 — “…performing with his own hands what is good, so that he may have something to share.” Practical ways to be generous with hospitality • Open the dining table weekly; share a simple meal, not a performance. • Offer a spare room to missionaries on furlough or students between terms. • Host holiday gatherings for those far from family. • Provide “second-service brunch” for servants who arrive early and leave late on Sundays. • Romans 12:13 — “Contribute to the needs of the saints and practice hospitality.” Practical ways to be generous with relationships • Give focused listening; put down the phone, look in the eye, bear burdens. • Mentor younger believers in Scripture, marriage, parenting, stewardship. • Share networks: recommend a brother for a job, write a reference. • Speak encouragement publicly, correct privately, always in love. • 1 John 3:17 — “If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his heart…” Guardrails that keep generosity healthy • Stewardship: plan giving; avoid debt that hinders future generosity. • Secrecy: give without trumpet blasts to protect the heart from pride. • Discernment: meet true needs, not enable harmful patterns (2 Thessalonians 3:10). • Cheerfulness: 2 Corinthians 9:7 — “God loves a cheerful giver.” • Perseverance: Galatians 6:9 — “…at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” God’s promises attached to generosity • Proverbs 11:25 — “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” • Luke 6:38 — “Give, and it will be given to you… with the measure you use, it will be measured back.” • 2 Corinthians 9:6 — “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly…”; “…sows generously will also reap generously.” Putting it into motion • List every resource God has entrusted—money, belongings, skills, hours. • Set a percentage to give before spending the rest. • Schedule regular acts: weekly hospitality night, monthly service project. • Keep eyes open daily; spontaneous generosity flows from a ready heart. • Trust the God who literally keeps His Word to supply every need as you share (Philippians 4:19). |
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