32 Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. 34 For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35 (CSB)
1. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.
32 Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.
Acts 4:32 (CSB)
6 The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (CSB)
6 The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. 9 As it is written: He distributed freely; he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever., 10 Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
2 Corinthians 9:6-10 (CSB)
11 You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
2 Corinthians 9:11 (CSB)
28 Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and eternal life in the age to come. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Mark 10:28-31 (CSB)
11 You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
2 Corinthians 9:11 (CSB)
2. Generosity does several things in my life.
- Generosity meets the needs of others.
34 For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need. Acts 4:32-35 (CSB)
12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
2 Corinthians 9:12 (CSB)
- Generosity is a testimony of your faith.
12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
2 Corinthians 9:12 (CSB)
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (CSB)
- Generosity is an expression of thanks to God.