Defined by Generosity - Bible Study

"What would your loved one have wanted to be remembered for?" At some point your loved ones will be asked this question of you. How will they respond? How do you want others to remember us by? What will be the one defining characteristic you will be know for?

Winston Churchill once said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." What do you give to your family, your community, your church, your God?

God created us to give, but life tempts us to keep. The little voice we hear "If I give, there may not be enough left over for me. What happens if I need gas or groceries?" 10%. I should give 10% to do God's work? 10% seems like alot...I won't have enough left for my expenses. Let's look at this another way. You have 10 apples in front of you. You get to keep 9 of them. Nine is alot of apples! Suddenly that one apple doesn't seem like alot, does it? Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)

Life is a gift, and everything belongs to God. John Ortberg (author) wrote a book "When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box". We are tenants on God's land. We are managers of God's resources. Now be fruitful and multiply and oversee this planet. It's mine, and I'm asking you to take care of it on my behalf" (Genesis 1:28, paraphrased).

It is challenging to tithe. Your individual circumstances may only allow you to give 2%. Can you take a step to increase to 5% or 7%? God understands where you are, and God will help you make the adjustments necessary for you to become more and more generous. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. (Luke 12:48)