Verses Used:

Takeaways:

Generosity Begins with Trust

A scarcity mindset is rooted in the belief that there is not enough to go around so I need to protect what I have. Some of our thoughts might include: What if I give and then don’t have enough? What if my contribution is too small to matter? What if I need that money later? What if I give and nobody appreciates it?
God says you will have “all sufficiency in all things at all times.”
The gospel itself is a story of generosity. “For God so loved the world that he gave…”
A life that constantly holds back will experience fewer opportunities to see God work through them.
In the passage today, Paul is not saying, “giving money means getting more money.”

Generosity is a Matter of the Heart

Generosity Shows up in Other Areas

Financial generosity looks like: donations to ministry or benevolent needs. Holding back looks like not giving.
Missional generosity looks like opening our homes, serving others, and making room for people far from God. Holding back sounds like, “I don't really care that much about your needs or pointing you toward Jesus.”
Relational generosity looks like giving time, attention, hospitality, and encouragement. Holding back sounds like, “I’m not available”, “I don’t have time for you”, or it looks like holding back encouragement or kindness.
Generosity is choosing to use whatever God has given me for the benefit of someone else.

Discussion Questions:

How have you seen God be generous to you in your life?
What messages resonate with you from the scarcity mindset? Why?
What do our spending, priorities, and use of time reveal about what we truly value?
Which area of generosity comes most naturally to you? Which area is most difficult for you to live open-handedly? (Financially, serving, hospitality, encouragement, time, relationships, etc.)