Series Description
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35, NIrV) However, sometimes generosity doesn’t come naturally to us. We want the newest and best things, or we want everyone to notice what we have. When we really enjoy the things we have, sometimes that makes it harder for us to be willing to share with others. However, with the help of God’s Spirit, we can learn that HOW we give is more important than even WHAT we give. It’s about our hearts. God showed us the ultimate example of generosity by sending Jesus. This month, we’ll take a look at how we can respond by being generous to others.
Memory Verse
Every good and perfect gift is from God.
James 1:17
Life App
Generosity: Making someone’s day by giving something away.
Week 1 (November 3)
Every Good and Perfect Gift
Bible Story: Every Good and Perfect Gift | James 1:17a
Bottom Line: God gives us good things.
Key Question: What good things has God given you?
We start the month with an insight from James 1:17a: “Every good and perfect gift is from God.” (NIrV) Every good thing in our lives comes from God, starting with the gift of Jesus. When we take the time to reflect on all that God has given us, we can respond by being generous to others.
Some of the best gifts in life don’t come with wrapping paper. Sometimes the best gifts in life are free because they were thought out and made especially for us. We have all received good things because of God’s generosity. From the air we breathe to the things we enjoy in our everyday lives, everything good comes from God.
Week 2 (November 10)
Widow of Zarephath
Bible Story: Widow of Zarephath | 1 Kings 17:7-16
Bottom Line: You always have something to give.
Key Question: What do you have to give?
In week 2, we read about a miracle found in 1 Kings 17:7- 16. During a time of drought, the prophet Elijah visited a widow in Zarephath. This woman barely had anything left for her family, let alone for him. Yet, she trusted God and gave everything she had to Elijah . . . and God provided for them above and beyond what they expected.
Can you think of a time when someone gave something to you or shared with you, even when they didn’t have much to give? Just the fact that they thought of you made their gift so much more meaningful. When we trust God with what we have, God is able to do more than we can think or imagine
Week 3 (November 17)
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
Bible Story: God Loves a Cheerful Giver | 2 Corinthians 9:7
Bottom Line: Give with a good attitude.
Key Question: How do you feel when you give?
In week 3, we take a look at Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Paul was writing to the church in Corinth, encouraging them to give. When we give, it pleases God—not just because of what we give, but because of the way we give it. When we give with a good attitude, we can help others see what God is like.
Have you ever shared something really nice with someone, but you didn’t do it with the best intentions? Maybe, if you were honest, you really didn’t want to share what you had in the first place. Our attitude makes a big difference when we give. It doesn’t matter what kind of gift you give if your heart isn’t in the right place. As Paul explained, God loves it when we give cheerfully!
Week 4 (November 24)
Love in Action
Bible Story: Love in Action | 1 John 3:16-18
Bottom Line: Jesus showed us how to give.
Key Question: When has someone been generous to you?
We close out the month in 1 John 3:16-18. John was writing to a group of believers to encourage them and remind them about Jesus’ love for them. John described how Jesus gave the greatest example of love when He gave His life for us. To love IS to give. Whether we give our time, our talent, or our things, we can show the love of Jesus when we give to those in need.
Giving can be difficult sometimes. Maybe we want to give the very best gift . . . or maybe we feel like we don’t have theright resources to be able to give. But, when we look to Jesus, we can learn what generosity is all about. Because of Jesus’ example, we can learn how to give and invite others to experience the love of Jesus for themselves.