Believers Church Of Sylvania

(James 2:15-16 NLT) Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

1. Generosity opens the door so the gospel can walk through.
(John 8:4-5, 7, 9-11 NLT) "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?" ... They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" ... When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman,"Where are your accusers?Didn't even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,”she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I, Go sin no more.

(2 Corinthians 9:8, 11 NLT) And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. ... Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

2. Generosity demonstrates our faith is real.
(Matthew 6:31-33 NLT) "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

3. Generosity requires a decision.
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NLT) Remember this--a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."