Generosity 2nd Corinthians chapter 9 verses 6-12 What is Generosity? Generosity is giving good things to others, freely and abundantly, with out expecting anything in return. The giving of money, assets, time, talents or labour. Originally meant of noble birth, then of noble spirit, to personal quality of noble character. Not a Greek/Biblical word. Bible passages speak of – abundance, liberality, blessings. The most Generous passage in the NT: 2nd Corinths chap 9

6 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. 7 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.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 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. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry [service] of giving - the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God.

For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient [loyal] to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for his gift too wonderful for words! Compare with chapter 8: 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. Because of what Jesus has done for us, arent we people of noble birth – sons & daughters of God?

In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus said, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be [shall become] perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Generosity is... not having less but giving more. costly giving. grace giving. open-handed living. changes everything. more fun. Thats the key! Christian generosity is giving good things to others, freely and abundantly, without expecting anything in return, out of gratitude to God for his grace to us.

Prayer of Generosity Dear Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve. To give and not to count the cost. To fight and not to heed the wounds. To toil and not to seek for rest. To labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing I am doing your will. St Ignatius Loyola (of Spain in 16th Century)

6 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. 7 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.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 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. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry [service] of giving - the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God.

Principles of Giving (from 2nd Corinthians 9 v6-13) 1. The principle of increase we reap in the same proportion as we sow (v6) 2. The principle of intent we reap as we sow with the right attitude (v7) 3. The principle of immediacy we reap while we are still sowing (v8-11) 4. The principle of incense/service/ministry we offer service to those in need but also service/ ministry/worship to God ‘leitourgias’ v12 5. The principle of ‘in-spite-of’ the circumstances. GraceGratitude/JoyGenerosity