Jesus had a lot to say about giving. He said, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) He said, “Give and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38) According to scripture, we receive at least seven blessings when we live generously…
- GIVING MAKES US MORE LIKE GOD
John 3:16 NIV “God so loved the world that he gave…”
- GIVING DRAWS US CLOSER TO GOD
Matthew 6:21 NKJV “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- GIVING IS AN ANTIDOTE TO MATERIALISM
1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
- GIVING STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH
Malachi 3:10 MSG “Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don’t open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams.”
Proverbs 3:5-10 MSG “Trust God from the bottom of your heart… Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst…”
- GIVING IS AN INVESTMENT FOR ETERNITY
Matthew 6:20 CEV “Don’t store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them.”
1 Timothy 6:18-19 NLT “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future…”
- GIVING BLESSES US IN RETURN
Proverbs 11:25 NIV “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
- GIVING MAKES US HAPPY
Acts 20:35 GNT “Jesus himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’”
“Miser” is the root word of “Miserable.” The more I hold onto what I’ve got, the more miserable I become. It is generous people who are happy.
1 Chronicles 29:9 NLV “The people were filled with joy because they had been so willing to give. They gave their gift to the Lord with a whole heart. And King David was filled with great joy.”
Why not put God to the test in this area of giving? His promises are sure! God richly blesses those who live generously!
College Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church
Dr. Jeff Potts | pastorjeff@chsda.ca
