Jesus Gives Willingly, So Should We

Give Like Jesus

In his recent sermon, Jim powerfully conveyed the essence of Christian generosity. The title, “Jesus Gives Willingly, So Should We,” sets the stage for understanding the profound nature of giving. Let’s delve into the message, enriched with applicable scripture and aligned with Lakeview Christian Church’s mission to “Be The Change” through Just 3: Study, Share, and Serve.

Understanding Willingness in Giving

Jim began by emphasizing that giving should not be done reluctantly or under compulsion. These two negative attitudes stand in stark contrast to the positive command to give as decided in one’s heart. This echoes 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV): “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.”

The transformative power of grace plays a crucial role here. When grace touches our hearts, giving becomes an act of love rather than obligation. This grace compels us to give joyfully and willingly, reflecting our love for God and His love for us. As Jim pointed out, “If you’re compelled because of what I say or because somebody else tells you, don’t do it. If you’re compelled, let it be because you love God and you know that God loves you.”

Grace and Generosity

Grace transforms our approach to giving. When we recognize God’s abundant grace, we are motivated to give not out of duty but out of a desire to share His love. This sentiment is beautifully captured in Acts 20:35 (NIV): “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

Jim’s message encourages us to plan and prepare for giving, making it an intentional act of worship. This aligns with Lakeview Christian Church’s mission to “Be The Change.” By engaging in Just 3—studying God’s Word, sharing life with one another, and serving others—we embody the transformative power of grace in our daily lives.

Scriptural Foundation for Generosity

Several scriptures underscore the importance of giving willingly. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV) says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” This passage highlights that our giving is an act of honoring God, which brings blessings in return.

Additionally, Luke 6:38 (NIV) promises, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This verse reinforces the principle that generous giving leads to abundant blessings, not just materially but spiritually.

The Joy of Giving

Jim shared that giving, when done out of love and not compulsion, becomes a joyous act. When we give cheerfully, we experience the joy that comes from aligning our actions with God’s will. This joy is a testament to the transformation that grace brings into our lives.

The apostle Paul also speaks about the joy of giving in 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV): “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” The act of giving generously and cheerfully results in reaping the joy and blessings that come from God’s abundant grace.

Applying the Message to Our Lives

At Lakeview Christian Church, we strive to “Be The Change” through our core principles: Just 3—Study, Share, and Serve. By studying God’s Word, we deepen our understanding of His character and His will for our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) reminds us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Sharing life with one another fosters a community of love and support. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) encourages us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Serving others is a tangible expression of God’s love. Galatians 5:13 (NIV) exhorts us, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

The Impact of Just 3

By incorporating Just 3 into our lives, we fulfill our mission to “Be The Change.” Studying God’s Word equips us with the knowledge and wisdom needed to navigate our spiritual journey. Sharing life with others creates a supportive and nurturing community that reflects God’s love. Serving others allows us to demonstrate God’s grace in practical ways, making a tangible difference in our community.

The Biblical Perspective on Generosity

The Bible is replete with examples and teachings on generosity. One of the most compelling stories is that of the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 (NIV): “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.'”

This story illustrates that the value of a gift is not determined by its amount but by the spirit in which it is given. The widow’s offering was small in monetary terms but immense in its demonstration of faith and generosity.

Generosity as a Reflection of God’s Character

Generosity is a reflection of God’s character. John 3:16 (NIV) states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God’s ultimate act of generosity was giving His Son for our salvation. When we give, we mirror this divine generosity.

1 John 3:17-18 (NIV) further emphasizes this: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Our generosity is a tangible expression of God’s love working through us.

The Principle of Sowing and Reaping

The principle of sowing and reaping is a recurring theme in the Bible. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV) says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

This principle encourages us to invest in what is eternal. When we sow generously into God’s kingdom, we reap spiritual rewards that far surpass any earthly gain.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Generosity

1. Pray for a Generous Heart: Ask God to cultivate a spirit of generosity within you. James 1:5 (NIV) says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
2. Plan Your Giving: Be intentional about your giving. Set aside a portion of your income, time, and talents for God’s work. Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) advises, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
3. Start Small: If you’re new to giving, start with small, manageable steps. Luke 16:10 (NIV) reminds us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
4. Give Cheerfully: Remember that God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) encourages us to give with joy and not out of obligation.
5. Reflect on God’s Generosity: Regularly meditate on God’s generosity towards you. This will inspire you to be generous in return. Psalm 116:12 (NIV) asks, “What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?”

Conclusion

Jim’s sermon reminds us that giving should stem from a heart transformed by grace. As we embrace the principles of Just 3—Study, Share, and Serve—we fulfill Lakeview Christian Church’s mission to “Be The Change.” Let us give willingly, joyfully, and intentionally, reflecting the abundant love of God in our lives and in our community.

By doing so, we not only honor God but also inspire others to experience the joy of giving. As we continue to study His Word, share life with one another, and serve our community, we become living testimonies of God’s transformative grace. Let us strive to give as Jesus gives, willingly and lovingly, making a lasting impact on the world around us.

In the words of Randy Alcorn, “When God blesses us with material resources, it’s not primarily to raise our standard of living. It’s to raise our standard of giving.” Let us take this to heart and be the change we wish to see in the world, starting with our own acts of generosity.