SpiriseBible
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." - Luke 6:38 (KJV)
Jesus paints a vivid picture of generosity's rewards—like grain merchants who press down, shake together, and heap up the measure until it overflows. This isn't a prosperity formula but a spiritual principle: generous hearts experience God's abundant provision. In a world that clutches tightly, Christians are called to hold loosely, give freely, and trust fully in God's promise to supply every need.
The Heart of Generosity
True generosity springs from understanding:
Everything belongs to God: "The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof" (Psalm 24:1). We're stewards, not owners.
God models ultimate generosity: "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32).
Giving reflects God's image: When we give, we act like our Father who "giveth to all men liberally" (James 1:5).
Generosity is spiritual warfare: It breaks materialism's power and demonstrates trust in God over money.
Eternal investment: "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20). Generous giving transfers wealth to eternity.
Beyond the Tithe
While tithing establishes a baseline, generosity goes further:
Tithes show obedience: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse" (Malachi 3:10). The first 10% acknowledges God's ownership.
Offerings show love: Given above the tithe from grateful hearts. The Macedonians "first gave their own selves to the Lord" (2 Corinthians 8:5).
Sacrificial giving shows faith: Like the widow's mites: "She of her want did cast in all that she had" (Mark 12:44).
Spontaneous giving shows compassion: Meeting needs as they arise. "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" (1 John 3:17).
Characteristics of Generous Givers
Scripture reveals their qualities:
- Cheerful: "God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). They give with joy, not grudging
- Purposeful: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Planned, not impulsive
- Proportional: "As God hath prospered him" (1 Corinthians 16:2). Giving matches blessing
- Secret: "Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth" (Matthew 6:3). No fanfare needed
- Consistent: "Upon the first day of the week" (1 Corinthians 16:2). Regular, not sporadic
- Faith-filled: Trusting God's provision for their needs
Areas for Generous Giving
Generosity extends beyond money:
Financial resources: Supporting church, missions, and needs
Time: "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Volunteering generously
Talents: Using gifts to bless others freely
Hospitality: "Given to hospitality" (Romans 12:13). Opening homes generously
Forgiveness: "Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32)
Encouragement: Liberal with affirming words
Knowledge: Sharing wisdom and skills freely
Obstacles to Generosity
What hinders generous giving?
- Fear of lack: Not trusting God's provision promises
- Materialism: Finding security in possessions
- Debt: Poor financial management limiting ability
- Comparison: Measuring against others instead of God
- Ignorance: Not knowing needs exist
- Selfishness: Prioritizing wants over others' needs
- Past hurts: Being taken advantage of previously
God's Promises to Generous Givers
Scripture overflows with assurances:
Provision: "And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
Abundance: "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Blessing: "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself" (Proverbs 11:25).
Joy: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Eternal rewards: "Charge them... that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute... laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come" (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Practical Steps to Greater Generosity
- Start where you are: Don't wait for wealth; be faithful with current resources
- Budget for giving: Make it first priority, not leftovers
- Increase gradually: Challenge yourself to grow percentage yearly
- Look for needs: Ask God to show you opportunities
- Give anonymously: Experience joy without recognition
- Include family: Teach children generosity by example
- Track God's faithfulness: Record how He provides as you give
- Use tools: Apps like SpiriseBible can track giving goals
Stories of Radical Generosity
Biblical examples inspire:
The early church: "Neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common" (Acts 4:32).
The Macedonians: "In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality" (2 Corinthians 8:2).
Barnabas: "Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:37).
The Multiplication Principle
God multiplies generous gifts: "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9). The boy's lunch fed thousands when placed in Jesus' hands. Your generous gifts, however small, become mighty when blessed by God.
Reflection Questions
- What percentage of your income do you currently give? How might God be calling you to increase?
- In what non-financial ways could you practice greater generosity this week?
- What fears or obstacles keep you from more generous giving? How does God's Word address these?
Prayer
Generous Father, You've given me everything—life, salvation, daily provision, and countless blessings. Forgive my tight-fisted approach to what You've freely given. Break the power of materialism and fear in my life. Help me see possessions as tools for blessing others, not treasures to hoard. Give me eyes to see needs, a heart moved by compassion, and hands ready to give. Increase my faith to trust Your provision as I give generously. May my giving reflect Your generous heart and point others to You. Help me experience the joy of generous living. In Jesus' name, who gave everything, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Practice radical generosity in three ways today: 1) Give an unexpectedly generous tip or gift to someone in service (delivery person, server, etc.) with a note of encouragement. 2) Find one possession you value but don't need and give it to someone who would benefit from it. 3) Commit to increase your regular giving by at least 1% starting this month. Remember, God can do more with 90% (or less) than you can with 100%.
