building up the body of Christ, and glorifying God. Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities that God gives to every follower of Christ for the purposes of personal growth, building up the body of Christ, and glorifying God.

Giving is the supernatural ability to share God’s resources with “above and beyond” generosity and joy.

Great models of giving: The wealthy Barnabas in Acts 4:34b-37

“From time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:34b-37

Gifts to Share: Time Talents Money/Possessions

Great models of giving: 2) The poor The widow in Mark 12:41-44

“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.

But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44

“’For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’” Matthew 6:19

Great models of giving: 3) God’s Faith Families 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.

Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Great models of giving: Jesus 2 Corinthians 8:9

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

Characteristics/Qualities Gives above the “norm”

Characteristics/Qualities 2) Doesn’t want personal promotion.

Characteristics/Qualities 3) Sees giving as a privilege

Characteristics/Qualities 4) Disciplined, frugal

active compassion for those who struggle and hurt. Mercy is the supernatural ability to display ongoing, active compassion for those who struggle and hurt.

Great mercy models: The Great Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37

Dorcas (Tabitha) in Acts 9:36 Great mercy models: Dorcas (Tabitha) in Acts 9:36 “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.” Acts 9:36

Great mercy models: Jesus in Matthew 20:29, 34

“As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him.” Matthew 20:29

“Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and follow him.” Matthew 20:34

Characteristics/Qualities More than emotions and words.

Characteristics/Qualities 2) Care for the victim and the problem-maker.

Characteristics/Qualities Mercy is more than “one and done.”

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Titus 3:4-5a

“Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:60

How can we give and show mercy for the glory of God?