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INTRODUCTION

GENEROSITYRealizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Generosity

When planting a garden, the more seeds you

plant, the more you will harvest. The same is true of God’s kingdom. The more “seeds” of time, talent, and treasure you “sow” to the Lord’s work, the greater the harvest you can expect for His kingdom. Instead of giving only a tithe (10%) to the church, give an extra offering to a missionary speaking one Sunday. Don’t just passively watch your younger siblings when your parents go out; do a special activity they enjoy to strengthen your relation-ships. Instead of giving used toys or clothing to a family in need, save to buy them a new item of good quality. Sow bountifully! “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7).

The Most Bountiful Offering

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Generosity Overview

What Is Generosity?Read aloud, study, and discuss what generosity means and how it applies to life.

The operational definition of generosity is “realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His

purposes.” Not only does He have a special plan for your life, but He also has distinct purposes for the possessions He has given to you. Your belongings, talents, abilities, and time have all been created and given to you by God. He has chosen you to be His steward,

one who attentively cares for and wisely uses the gifts entrusted to you. As a steward, you will be held accountable to develop your talents, invest your time, and utilize your possessions to fulfill God’s purposes. His purposes not only include providing for your needs through food, clothing, and shelter, but also reaching beyond to provide for others through you! God desires to actively involve you in His plan to meet others’ needs, spread His message of redemption, and edify the Body of Christ.

The opposite of generosity is stinginess. A stingy person is unwilling to give of himself or his posses-sions to meet the needs of others. Instead, he clings tightly to what he has in order to fulfill his own selfish desires. He does not fully grasp that God has and will provide for his needs, so he seeks to control

what is “his” and to decide when and how it is used. He doesn’t think to share with others or to ask, “How does God want me to use this item?” Instead, a stingy person claims ownership that is not really his as he exclaims, “That's mine!” One who holds fast to what is his may justify his behavior as thriftiness, but a thrifty person saves to give or spend wisely when legitimate needs arise.

Generosity is an overflow of the love that God has bestowed on you. Jesus loved you first and demon-strated His love by giving. He offered Himself to meet the greatest need that you have: salvation from sin and death. A generous person is content to have basic needs met so that the money saved can be used for God’s purposes. Such giving expects nothing in return but is most rewarded when done in secret. You don’t need to have a lot of money to be generous. For example, you may offer your time and energy to do chores for the widow in your neighborhood. Be sensitive to the needs in your family, your church, and your community, and the Lord will direct you as you invest the resources you have for His pleasure. Remember Jesus’ words: “. . . It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Just as God multiplies the farmer’s seeds to become a great harvest, so God will multiply the “seeds” we sow for His kingdom.

Selfishly clinging to our resources keeps us from enjoying the blessing of giving.

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Generosity in ScriptureRead aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept.

Proverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with

thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for under-standing; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” What a privilege to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God’s Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you, your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He will be glorified as His character is seen in you.

THE CHARACTER OF GODWe see examples of generosity in God’s character in the following ways:

• God is the One Who gives the power to gain any wealth and does so to establish His covenant with His people. (See Deuteronomy 8:18.)

• God generously satisfies every living thing from His abundant supply. (See Psalms 36:7–8; 145:16.)

• God bestows good gifts to His children, including the gift of the Holy Spirit upon salvation. (See Luke 11:13; James 1:17.)

• Jesus offers rest to the laboring soul and trades His light load in exchange for our heavy burdens. (See Matthew 11:28–30.)

• Jesus gave sight to the blind and healing to many others with infirmities. (See Luke 7:21.)

• The Holy Spirit gives believers power to be Christ’s witnesses to all the world. (See Acts 1:8.)

• The Holy Spirit bestows to every believer unique

gifts with different purposes for ministering to

others. (See I Corinthians 12:4–11.)

GENEROSITY IN MY LIFENow let’s examine some ways God wants us to live

out generosity daily.

• When I give to help the poor, what does God

promise to do? (See Psalm 41:1; Acts 20:35.)

• Having received freely from others, what

should my response be? (See Matthew 10:8.)

• From where did all my possessions come?

(See I Chronicles 29:14–16.)

• In light of God’s great grace toward me, in

what ways may I minister grace to others?

(See I Peter 4:8–10.)

• What happens to people who greedily try to get

rich quick? (See Proverbs 28:22.)

• Why is it impossible to serve both God and

wealth (mammon)? (See Matthew 6:24.)

• What do I need to guard against when God

entrusts riches to me? (See I Timothy 6:17.)

GENEROSITY KEY VERSE

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” II CORINTHIANS 9:6

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Bible StoryTHE MOST BOUNTIFUL OFFERING

As Jesus was teaching one day, He warned His hearers to beware of the scribes, scholars of the

Law. The scribes loved the attention gained by wearing long robes, and they often chose the best seats in the synagogues. They prayed long prayers so others would view them as spiritually elite. Through deceptive schemes, these scribes obtained monetary gifts from the weak and vulnerable, such as widows. Jesus proclaimed that these scribes would receive greater condemnation. Finishing His teaching, Jesus sat down in the outer court of the temple. In this court were thirteen wooden boxes with bronze funnels shaped

like trumpets. They were the offering boxes, each labeled with its unique purpose. Nine boxes were for the required temple sacrifices as outlined in the Law, and the other four boxes were for voluntary offerings. People would drop coins into these funnels. As the coins fell into the metal funnels, they generated loud clinking noises, alerting everyone nearby of the gift that was given. As people gave their offerings that day, which giver would Jesus point out to His disciples? Why would He take note of this person? What would He say about that particular offering? Of those who gave offerings that day, who gave the most bountifully?

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONSRead Mark 12:41–44 together and discuss the following questions:

1. What did Jesus observe as He sat near the treasury in the temple court? (See Mark 12:41.)

Is God aware of what you have and what you give to Him? What is one way God expects you to give to His purposes? (See Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 3:8–10.)

2. Who put a lot of money into the treasury? (See Mark 12:41.) What motives for giving did Jesus warn against? (See Matthew 6:2.)

What do you do in order to be praised by others? What is the right motive for giving? (See Philippians 2:3–4.)

3. Who else gave an offering that day? Was this person rich or poor? (See Mark 12:42.)

How can you sow bountifully even though you may only have little to give? (See Deuteronomy 15:11.)

4. How much did the widow give as her offering? (See Mark 12:42.)

How do you decide when and how much to give for your offering? (See I Corinthians 16:1–2.)

5. What did Jesus point out to His disciples about the widow’s gift? Who had given more than her? (See Mark 12:43.)

Do you give bountifully or sparingly? What attitude does God love in a giver? (See II Corinthians 9:6–7.)

6. How much did the widow have after giving her offering? (See Mark 12:44.)

What could you do without so you can give more to God’s work? With what does He tell us to be content? (See I Timothy 6:8.)

7. Who gave a greater percentage of what they had—the widow or the others? (See Mark 12:44.)

What did Christ give to purchase salvation for you? (See I Peter 1:18–19.) How can you daily offer yourself to Him as a “living sacrifice”? (See Romans 12:1–2.)

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Memory VerseII CORINTHIANS 9:6

Play the game together to help the children commit II Corinthians 9:6 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully

shall reap also bountifully.”II CORINTHIANS 9:6

DOERS OF THE WORDIn the blank below, write how this verse could be applied in your life, e.g., “purpose in my heart to give as You lead,” or “give sacrificially to missions,” or “cheer-fully offer my time and abilities to help my family.”

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to ________________ _________________________________________ ____________________________________________. I ask that You would develop generosity in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s working in your life.

MEMORY VERSE GAME

Hot or Cold

Choose a child to be “It.” Have the child close his eyes while the rest of the children agree on a spot to hide an object, such as an eraser or a water bottle. Tell him now to open his eyes and begin to search for the hidden object. The other children are to give him hints by saying the verse softly or loudly, depending on where he is in relation to the hidden object. As he looks for the hidden object, have the other children guide him to the object by saying the verse softly when he is far away from the object (cold) and loudly when he is closer to the object (hot). Give different children the opportunity to be It until the children have quoted the verse often enough that they have it memorized.

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Activity CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

INTRODUCTIONEnjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the generosity key verse and definition as you fill in the crossword puzzle below. Italicized words fit horizontally and underlined words fit vertically. One word is already done for you.

II Corinthians 9:6

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap

also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall

reap also bountifully.”

Generosity

Realizing that all I have

belongs to God and using it

for His purposes

R E PA

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CraftWILLING TO GIVE

INTRODUCTIONDuring this character study we are asking the Lord to develop generosity in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to conduct an experiment to remind us to let go of what we naturally hold back for ourselves and instead open our hands to share with others.

Supplies:• A photocopy of the “Generous Hands”

template from page 12• Pencils• Scissors• Large plate for water• 1–2 cups of water

Instructions

Cut out a hand from the “Generous Hands” template. On each finger, write one thing that you would rather keep for yourself than share or give away. Some ideas may include time, friends, toys, money, favorite seat, or snacks.

As children cut out and write on the paper hands, pour water about 1/2 inch deep on a plate (approximately 1–2 cups).

Fold each paper finger down over the palm of the hand so that it resembles a tightly clenched fist. If you think of belongings as your possessions, you will tend to hoard them and assert your right to what you own. You may tightly clench “stuff” because you think it will bring secu-rity or happiness, or because you fear what would happen if you let it go.

Gently set your paper fist on top of the water. Watch what happens. The water unfolds the fingers,

leaving an open hand! If you think of your belongings

as the property of God which has been entrusted to

you to use for His purposes, then you are more likely

to share as He directs.

Similar to the way the water slowly seeped into the

paper and loosened the fingers from their selfish grip,

so understanding that you are a steward of God’s

resources can help you replace your natural stinginess

with God’s generosity. Are you willing to open your

hands and share God’s resources as He leads?

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The Most Bountiful Offering

“And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance;

but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12:43–44).

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Hymn History

“I Gave My Life for Thee”Sing “I Gave My Life for Thee” and read about the generosity proclaimed by the hymn writer, Frances Havergal.

In the early 1700s, a young German nobleman

named Nikolaus Zinzendorf visited the Dusseldorf

Museum. One particular painting captivated his

attention. The painting depicted Jesus with a crown

of thorns on His head just before His crucifixion. The

caption below read, “I have done this for you; what

have you done for Me?” The painting moved young

Zinzendorf to a wholehearted commitment to serve

God. Count Zinzendorf became one of the most influ-

ential leaders in the history of Christian missions.

Over a hundred years later, another young Christian

visited that same museum. A tired, 17-year-old Frances

Havergal sat opposite

that same painting.

Quietly she gazed at

the dramatic paint-

ing along with its

inscription. Deeply

moved, she began

jotting down phrases.

Miss Havergal’s sister

later wrote: “On

January 10, 1858,

[Frances] read the

motto, and the lines

of her hymn flashed

upon her. She wrote them in pencil on a scrap of

paper. Reading them over [once she got home] she

thought them so poor that she tossed them on the fire,

but they fell out untouched.”

The story continues that her father grasped the papers that weren’t burned, and he encouraged his daughter to keep them. Her father wrote a hymn tune for them, and the piece was printed on a leaflet the following year and then in the literary periodical Good Words in 1860. Titled, “I Gave My Life for Thee,” today the hymn is sung to the tune written by Philip P. Bliss.

Miss Havergal’s hymn acknowledges what Jesus Christ gave up for us. He was the greatest example of generosity that the world has ever known. As the refrain varies with each verse, we read how Christ gave His life, left all, bore all, and brings gifts for us His children. The hymn closes with a challenge: “What hast thou brought to Me?”

Generosity is “realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes.” Among other occasions, one day Miss Havergal practiced generosity when she heard about a need in India to teach women the Bible. She packed up her valuable jewels, saving only a few special ones from family and friends, and sacrificially sent them to the Church Missionary Society. She said she had never packed a box with such pleasure!

Jesus gave everything for you. What have you given to Him and others in return for what has been given to you? Generosity is more than giving money. God has given you time, talents, and energy, and He delights when you use them for His purposes. Ask God where He wants you to invest cheerfully what He has so generously entrusted to you!

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879)

Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

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Hymn Sheet Music

IMyIAnd

1. 2. 3. 4.

gaveFa

Isuf

Myther'sferedhave

lifehousemuch

brought

forofforto

thee,light,thee,thee,

MyMy

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pre ciousrythyMy

bloodcir

tonguehome

Icledcana

shed,throne,tell,bove,

-- - --

-

ThatIOfSal

thouleftbitva

might'stfort'resttion

ranearth

agfull

somedlyo

and

be,night,ny,free,

AndForToMy

quickwanrespar

enedd'rings

cuedon

fromsadtheeand

theand

fromMy

dead;lone;hell;love;

- -- -

- - - -- - -

III'veI

left,borne,

gave,

bring,

II

I'veI

gaveleftbornebring

itit

rich

My

lifeallall

gifts

forforforto

thee,thee,thee,thee,

WhatHastWhatWhat

hastthouhasthast

thouleft

thouthou

giv'naughtbornebro't

forforforto

Me?Me?Me?Me?

III'veI

gave,left,

borne,bring,

II

I'veI

gaveleftbornebring

itit

rich

My

lifeallall

gifts

forforforto

thee,thee,thee,thee,

WhatHasWhatWhat

hastthouhasthast

thouleft

thouthou

giv'naughtbornebro't

forforforto

Me?Me?Me?Me?

I Gave My Life for TheePhilip P. Bliss (1838-1876)

©

Frances R. Havergal (1836-1879)

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Hymn History BibliographyMorgan, Robert J., Then Sings My Soul, Thomas Nelson Publishers,

Nashville, 2003, p. 141.

Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications,

Grand Rapids, MI, 1982, pp. 101–102.

Reynolds, William J., Companion to Baptist Hymnal, Broadman Press,

Nashville, TN, 1976, pp. 96–97, 331.

Smith, Jane Stuart, and Carlson, Betty, Great Christian Hymn Writers,

Crossway Books, Wheaton, IL, 1997, pp. 79–83.

Recommended Resources• 2019 Biblical Character Illustrated

Calendar

• Hymns for the Family CDs (“I Gave My Life to Thee” is sung a cappella on Volume 4.)

• The Power for True Success

• Character Cards

• Character Cards Memory Game

• Character Sketches, Volumes 1–3

• Achieving True Success

• Men’s Manual, Volume II

• The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

• The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

• The Richest Christian Game

• “The Lord, the Lad and the Lunch” (Message by Jim Schettler, available at embassymedia.com.)

• “The Exciting Potential of Being a Sower” (Two-part message by Ken Pierpont, available at embassymedia.com.)

• “A Widow Who Became a Channel of God’s Power” (Message by Otto Koning, available at embassymedia.com.)

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

store.iblp.org

Crossword Puzzle Answer Key

PURPOS O W E T H

E A L I Z I N G

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B OG

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12

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Generous Hands Template

Permission granted to reproduce this page.