Giving
reveals…
God’s
family
After telling this story, Jesus went on
toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he
sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,”
he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no
one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The
Lord needs it.’” So they went and found the colt, just as
Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them,
“Why are you untying that colt?” And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord
needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over
it for him to ride on. LUKE 19:28-35 NLT
Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity,
we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. GALATIANS 6:10 NLT
God’s
love
If someone has enough money to live well and
sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 1 JOHN 3:17 NLT
“For
God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone
who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. JOHN 3:16 NLT
Growing
trust in Jesus
You should remember the words of the Lord
Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” ACTS 20:35 NLT
“Yes,”
Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife
or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be
repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to
come.” LUKE 18:29-30 NLT
And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you
will surely be rewarded. MATTHEW 10:42
NLT
Supernatural
power
If your gift is to encourage others, be
encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership
ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing
kindness to others, do it gladly. ROMANS
12:8 NLT
And this same God who takes care of me will
supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in
Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:19 NLT
A
maturing church
So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your
giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this
ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted
speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to
excel also in this gracious act of giving. 2
CORINTHIANS 8:6 NLT