“We will not hide these truths from our children but will teach the next generation…” (Psalm 78:4) [NLT]
“Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) [HCSB]
We MUST model and teach generosity because it …
• … displays God’s character.
“Everything we have has come from you Lord, and we can only give you what is yours already!” (1 Chronicles 29:14) [LB]
• … defeats materialism.
“You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) [NIV]
• … draws me closer to God.
“Your heart will be wherever your treasure is.” (Matthew 6:21) [NCV]
• … develops my love.
“If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.” (1 John 3:17) [MSG]
• … determines blessing.
“If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure … and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving will be used to measure what is given back to you.” (Luke 6:38) [NLT]
“Give generously … and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” (Deuteronomy 15:10) [NIV]
• … deepens my joy.
Jesus said, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) [GN]
• … demonstrates my faith.
“Your giving proves the reality of your faith…” (2 Corinthians 9:13) [Ph]
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) [NIV]
• … is a deposit in eternity.
“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven …” (Matthew 6:20) [NIV]
“Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone … Tell them to use their money to do good. They should give happily to those in need, always ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven — it is the only safe investment for eternity!” (1 Timothy 6:17-19) [LB]