Generosity-Talk It Over
Conversation Starter:
Talk about how the recent Corona Virus has had an effect on the level of generosity or stinginess we see right now.
Discussion:
“Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.” -Deuteronomy 15:10-11 (MSG)
1. After reading our key scripture (Deuteronomy 15:10-11), talk about why people (even Christians) are afraid to be generous.
- What does that say about our trust in God?
- What is the promise God makes regarding our generosity?
“Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.” -1 Timothy 6:17-19(MSG)
2. Check out 1 Timothy 6:7-8.
- Do you consider yourself rich?
- Why is comparing ourselves to others a poor way to measure our wealth?
- What’s the promise found in this passage?
3. How does our generosity attract people to God?
“The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” -Proverbs 11:25 (MSG)
4. Read Proverbs 11:25.
- How does God respond to a generous person?
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” -Matthew 6:3-4 (NIV)
5. Read Matthew 6:3-4.
- What does this mean?
“Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything.” -1 Peter 4:10-11 (MSG)
6. Read 1 Peter 4:10-11.
- Who should get the credit for our generosity?
- What part does humility play in generosity?
Application:
- Are you generous with your “Yes”?
- Do you trust that will not only meet your needs, but bless you for your generosity?
- What’s one thing you can do to be generous today?