We Are Generous — 3.03.19 Sermon

Generosity, this message contends, has almost nothing to do with how much money you have. Survey data and a contrast between affluent and modest states make the point: more income does not produce a more generous heart. Four levels of giving are sketched, from giving, to tithing, to generosity, to sacrifice, and then traced through four stories. Abraham's obedience, the widow of Zarephath's last meal, Zacchaeus's repentance, and Mary's costly perfume in Mark 14 each show the same pattern. The landing is a single line worth keeping: generous obedience always brings God's generous blessing . Genuine conversion produces immediate generosity, and the deepest form of giving is surrendering something you love for something you love more. The closing question is whether we merely believe in Jesus or actually believe him.