Thankfulness starts with a heart of generosity

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:11

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Truth: God doesn't bless us to raise our standard of living, God blesses us to raise our standard of giving.

God loves a generous person

Hebrews 13:16

Don't forget to do good things for others and to share what you have with them. These are the kinds of sacrifices that please God.

“We are the hands and feet of Jesus”

--Mother Teresa

Truth: You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.

God created you to be generous 

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 

Generosity changes your world 

Galatians 6:4 (MSG)

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. 

Truth: What we do for ourselves will die with us, what we do for others lives beyond us

Psalm 112:9

They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.

Psalm 112:5-6

Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.

2 Corinthians 8:7

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 

Generous with our time

Generous with our talent

Generous with our touch

Generous with our treasure

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.