Generosity is often misunderstood as being solely about financial giving. While financial giving is certainly part of generosity, it’s only one aspect of a much broader concept. Like romantic love is part of marriage, or paint is part of a car, financial giving is a necessary component of generosity—but it’s not the whole picture.
What happens when we make generosity all about money?
When we reduce generosity to just financial matters, we typically fall into one of two errors:
The error of transactional Christianity
Transactional Christianity occurs when we approach our relationship with God as a “give and take” arrangement. We assume that if we give financially, God is obligated to bless us in return—whether through financial prosperity, health, safety, or happiness.
This mindset is fundamentally flawed. God is not bound by our human transactions. As the Lord, He doesn’t enter into equal-standing agreements with us where both parties are obligated to comply. We have covenants with God, but the terms are His, not ours.
In Acts 8, Simon the sorcerer tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, and Peter strongly rebuked him: “May your silver be destroyed with you because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money.”
The error of overvaluing wealth
The second error is that we begin to see money or wealth as the most important thing. This can lead us to:
- View material possessions as the primary blessing from God
- Consider wealthy people as more blessed or more righteous
- See poverty as punishment from God
- Associate a person’s value with their financial worth
Jesus challenged this thinking when He observed the widow’s offering at the temple. Though she gave only two small coins, Jesus said she had given more than all the wealthy donors because she gave everything she had.
What is true generosity?
Generosity is the opposite of our natural inclination to be self-focused. It’s when we have the heart of the Father in us and desire to do as He does.
John 3:16 reminds us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” God gave what was most precious to Him—His Son. Jesus gave His perfect, precious blood. The cost of our salvation was higher than money could ever buy.
Generosity, then, is about having a heart that is inclined toward others and moved to action. It’s adopting the same attitude as Christ, who “emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant.”
What are we called to be generous with?
We are called to be generous with anything that has value. If something doesn’t have value to you, you can’t truly be generous with it because there’s no sacrifice involved.
1. Time
Time is perhaps our most valuable resource because:
- We only have so much of it
- We cannot make more of it
- We don’t know how much we have left
- It’s finite and irreplaceable
When we give our time to something or someone, especially when they cannot repay it, we’re being truly generous. This might include:
- Serving in church ministries
- Volunteering in community organizations
- Civic service that benefits the whole community
2. Blessing and affirmation
Romans 13:7 reminds us to “pay your obligations to everyone… respect to those you owe respect and honor to those you owe honor.”
We should be free with our blessings and affirmation:
- Tell people they’re doing good
- Express how proud you are of them
- Let them know you love them
- Encourage the good you see in others
- Pray for people and let them know you’re doing so
People should never have to guess whether you love and care for them. Verbally blessing others is a powerful way to be generous.
3. Resources
Proverbs 3:27-28 says: “When it is within your power, don’t withhold good from the one to whom it belongs. Don’t say to your neighbor, ‘Go away. Come back later. I’ll give it tomorrow’ when it’s there with you.”
John the Baptist taught: “The one who has two shirts must share with the one who has none, and the one who has food must do the same.”
This doesn’t mean giving everything away, but there is a strong biblical precedent for blessing others with the things we have when we see a need we can fill.
4. Money
Christians are statistically the most generous givers in America, with 70-75% of all charitable donations coming from individuals who identify as Christians.
Being generous with money can take many forms:
- Supporting community projects
- Giving regularly to your church
- Supporting specific ministries or causes you’re passionate about
Regular giving to your church helps support:
- Basic operational needs (facilities, utilities, etc.)
- Ministry staff who serve the congregation
- Programs that benefit the community
- Special projects and missions
Why give regularly to your church?
While the Old Testament principle of tithing (giving 10%) is a good guideline, the New Testament emphasizes that “each person should do as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.”
The percentage matters less than the heart behind it. When we give financially on a regular basis, we’re saying, “I’m committed to this thing.” It’s evidence of our attachment and support.
Many churches offer designated giving options beyond the general fund, allowing you to support specific ministries or projects you’re passionate about.
Life Application
Generosity is a response to God’s grace, mercy, and love. We are generous with what has value to us because God has been generous with what has value to Him—His Son.
Ask yourself these questions this week:
- What has the most value in my life right now? Is it my time, my possessions, my money, or something else?
- Have I made Jesus Lord over that valuable thing, or am I still holding it back from Him?
- In what specific way can I be more generous this week?
- Is there someone I need to bless with my words?
- Is there a need I can meet with my resources?
- Is there a ministry I should support financially?
Am I giving regularly to my church? If not, what’s holding me back?
Remember, generosity is about a heart posture toward the Lord. It’s saying, “Even in this, you are the Lord.” When you identify what has value in your life, ask yourself if Jesus is truly Lord of that thing.
This week, take one practical step toward greater generosity in an area where you’ve been holding back. As you do, you’ll discover the truth of Jesus’ words that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Freedom in Truth 