Generosity, human

Believers should be generous in their dealings with others, following the example of God himself.

Motivations for generosity

God's example

2 Corinthians 8:7–9 See also 1 John 3:16–18

But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not giving a command, but I am testing the sincerity of your love through the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

God's dealings with believers

Ephesians 4:32–5:2 See also Matthew 10:7–8, Matthew 18:21–35

Demonstrations of generosity

In material giving

Acts 4:32–37 See also Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 15:7–8; Matthew 5:42, Matthew 19:21; 2 Corinthians 8:3, 2 Corinthians 9:5

The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

In support of God's work

Philippians 4:16 See also Exodus 36:5; Numbers 7:13–17; 1 Chronicles 28:14–18, 1 Chronicles 29:9; 2 Chronicles 31:9–10; Mark 12:41–44 parallel Luke 21:1–4; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17–18

For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.

In worship

Matthew 26:6–7 See also Exodus 35:22; 1 Kings 3:4, 1 Kings 8:63; 2 Chronicles 1:6, 2 Chronicles 5:6; Ezra 6:9; Romans 12:1–2; Philippians 2:17

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table.

In acts of mercy

Luke 10:33–35 See also 2 Kings 6:22; 2 Chronicles 28:15

But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’

In giving presents

1 Kings 10:13 See also Genesis 24:53, Genesis 32:17–21, Genesis 45:21–23; 2 Kings 5:5, 2 Kings 8:9

King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired — whatever she asked — besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants.

Meanness and covetousness the opposites of generosity

Ecclesiastes 5:13 See also 2 Samuel 12:2–4; Isaiah 43:23–24; Micah 2:2; Malachi 3:8–9; Matthew 25:45; Luke 12:15

There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner,

Generosity rewarded

Malachi 3:10 See also Psalm 37:25–26, Psalm 112:5, Psalm 112:9; Proverbs 11:24–25, Proverbs 22:9; Isaiah 58:10; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6–9; Galatians 6:9–10

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.