The Gift Of You: How Living Generously Reflects The Heart Of GodSample

Conclusion: Generosity God’s Way

Generosity is about becoming more like God.

Think about some of the ways He's modeled generosity in our lives. He formed us in His own image (Gen. 1:27). He loved us when we were sinners (Rom. 5:8). He provided the payment for our sins (1 John 2:2) and the gift of adoption into His family (John 1:12-13). He supplies all our needs (Phil. 4:19). 

And then, amazingly, the Creator of the universe—the One who can speak and accomplish the impossible—chooses to invite imperfect and limited human beings to participate in His work. It’s not that He can’t do it without us but that He wants to include us. What an amazing gift!

As you live in relationship with God and model His character, generosity becomes a part of who you are. It’s more about your attitudes and motivation in giving than the amount of time or money you’re able to share—you don’t have to be rich or uniquely gifted to make a meaningful difference for eternity! 

As you grow deeper in relationship with God through His Word and prayer, He may begin to direct your life in ways you wouldn’t expect. Like Len, He may ask you to give more generously than you’re comfortable with. Or like Mis, He may ask you to give up one form of generosity for another. He may tell you to hold back from a particular opportunity for giving, like Ann and Daniel. Or perhaps He’ll prompt you to give a gift that feels smaller than you’d like it to be, like the woman in Josh’s story.

Ultimately, God wants your heart, motivations and obedience. As you experience the joy of knowing Him more intimately and His character grows inside you, generosity will naturally flow out. 

That’s the gift of you.

Things to Ponder:

• Why do you think God is so interested in our attitudes and motivations?
• What is one thing God has shown you about generosity during these last few days?
• What is a practical step you can take today toward growing more like Christ in the area of generosity?

Our Wycliffe team hopes this Plan encourages you!

Here’s what we learned about generosity from the Keliko people of South Sudan.