Love Shows Up

For Those in Need

1. How Does God View Generosity / Mercy?

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. 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. —2 Corinthians 9:7-8, 11 NIV

Cheerful Giver (Chik•fil•A Giver)

Regular Giver (Minuteman Giver)

Responsive Giver (Middleman Giver)

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” —Matt. 7:12 ESV

2. How Does God View a Lack of Generosity and Mercy.

“The cries of the victims in Sodom and Gomorrah are deafening; the sin of those cities is immense.” —Genesis 18:20 Message

What were the sins of Sodom & Gomorrah?

Behold, this was the sin of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters (outlying cities) had arrogance, abundant food, and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and committed repulsive acts before Me; therefore, I removed them when I saw it. —Ezekiel 16:49-50 NIV

3. How We Can Cultivate a Spirit of Generosity and Mercy

At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.

• JTB is publicly challenging the system. He’s about to call it a snake pit, a broken system

When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

The crowds asked, “What should we do?”

(pause)

John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”

(pause)

Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”

He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”

(pause)

“What should we do?” asked some soldiers.

John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

(pause)

Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

—Luke 3:2-3, 7-16

What should we do?

What should I do?