How to Cultivate a Lifestyle of Generosity
Tithe: one tenth of annual produce or earnings, formerly taken as a tax for the support of the Church and clergy.
Honor an
“The Lord said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.“I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.” —Numbers 18:20–21
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” —Matthew 23:23
“Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” —1 Corinthians 9:13–14
Acknowledge God as
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” —Psalm 24:1
Use generosity as your
“Beware, and be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” —Luke 12:15
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have” —Hebrews 13:5
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” —Matthew 6:21
Stop
“Generosity Encouraged, 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 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 9:6–8
Life Application:
**Take this week to review how you are investing your money. Would anyone looking at your finances say, “WOW this is a generous person! WOW this person is clearly committed to God’s mission in our world!”
If the answer is, “YES!” Celebrate your devotion to God and ask him how you could help others become generous as well.
If the answer is, “No.” Don’t beat yourself up. Make a plan for how you can start reorganizing your finances to become a generous person.**