Why do we give?
Channel: Chapelstreet Church
Date: 2023-03-17

Generosity doesn’t make sense in a materialistic world with limited resources and an unknown future. Yet, in God’s economy, generosity is not only sensible; it’s the wisest path one can take. Generosity reflects Christ (2 Cor. 8:9), pleases God (2 Cor. 9:7), blesses both receiver and giver (Proverbs 11:25), and brings eternal rewards (Luke 12:33–34). It’s no wonder C.S. Lewis said, “I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.” Indeed, the safest path to true, biblical abundance is the path of generosity—the path Jesus himself took (Ephesians 5:2).

As we abide in our generous Savior, we are freed to step out of a mentality of fear and scarcity and into the joyous freedom of faith and abundance (Psalm 36:8; John 10:10; 2 Cor. 9:8). As Jesus himself said, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). In our video for today, Pastor Brian Coffey explains what it means to walk on the path of generosity—and how God intends to meet and bless us as we do.

This is Day 5 of our 20 Days on Following Jesus series. Find the rest of the series here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0lnY-4k_FoicFce0YaSUseBovJiNQ7GO 

A Prayer for Today
Generous Father, thank you for giving your most prized possession—your one and only Son—to save me from spiritual bankruptcy and to bring me into your glorious kingdom. Thank you, Jesus, for becoming poor so that I, through your poverty, might become rich. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for filling me and working generously in my heart. Triune God, abundant life is found in you alone. Forgive me for turning your gifts into gods. Forgive me for living in scarcity and fear. Forgive me for my selfishness and entitlement. Help me to live by faith—with open hands and a humble heart—reflecting your generosity to those around me. Put the beauty of Christ on display through my living and my giving. I love you, Lord. Amen.

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BIBLE VERSES REFERENCED
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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.”
John 3:16 (NIV): “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.”
Luke 6:38 (NIV): “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.”

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ADDITIONAL VERSES 
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2 Corinthians 9:6–15 (NIV) 
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+9%3A6-15&version=NIV
Philippians 2:1–11 (NIV) 
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A1-11&version=NIV 
Luke 12:31–34 (NIV) 
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A31-34&version=NIV 

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SONG SUGGESTIONS
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Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) (Hillsong UNITED)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GGFb6LcX3U
And Can It Be? (The Enfield Hymn Sessions)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnBmcUy3tdQ
Jesus Paid It All (Kristian Stanfill)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FHwdx5BIvc
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Keith & Kristyn Getty)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRfcehP0SLU

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