Craig Smith • Relational Generosity • August 18, 2024
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (Prov. 11:25)
Relational generosity requires you to “open up”…
• Your
(
) – “We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange – I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts also.” (2 Cor. 6:11-13)
The greatest gift you can give another is not relational
but godly
– “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (Prov. 31:10)
• Your
(
) – “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Rom. 12:13)
Strategic hospitality: Turning your
and
into a launch pad for ministry and mission – “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:30-31)
• Your
(
) – “All spoke well of Him (Jesus) and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips.” (Luke 4:22a)
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Prov. 16:24)
• Your
(
) – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Cor. 9:6)
• Your
(
) – “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” (1 Thes. 2:8)
• Your
(
) – “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.” (Prov. 22:2)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. (2 Cor. 8:9)
