“Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44 CSB
- The radicalness of generosity is measured by what we have left for ourselves.
- Radical generosity is not about money, it is about the motivation of the heart.
- To be radically generous I will need to replace my scarcity mentality for an abundance mentality.
Examples of Radical Generosity
- The Macedonian Churches
“We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia: During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints, and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will. So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete among you this act of grace.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-8 CSB
They Gave:
- Joyfully(Vs.1-2)
- Supernaturally(Vs. 3)
- Enthusiastically(Vs. 4)
- Worshipfully(Vs. 5-8)
- Jesus Christ
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 CSB
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 NLT
- God the Father
“For this is how God loved the world: 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
The Result of Radical Generosity a Harvest of Blessings
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor.Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.So, two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 NLT
Where will you “sow” with your L.I.F.E? What part of your L.I.F.E should you be sowing more with?
Labor(1 Thessalonians 1:2-3)
Influence (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7)
Finances (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
Expertise (1 Peter 4:10)