The Generous Life: How Giving Freely Brings Abundant Blessing
Pastor Reed Sowell
Generosity is a defining characteristic of a life well-lived. It isn’t just about money—it’s about an open-handed posture toward everything we have. Proverbs 11:24-25 lays the foundation for this truth:
"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:24-25, NIV)
God’s economy doesn’t operate the way the world does. True prosperity isn’t found in hoarding but in giving. The more we give, the more we make room to receive—not just material wealth, but joy, peace, and fulfillment. Click the link above for the full message.
The Power of Unexpected Generosity
Imagine receiving a gift you never expected—something extravagant, something beyond what you deserved. That’s exactly what happened at a wedding when a man named Andrew, out of sheer generosity, arranged for a brand-new Porsche Panamera S as a getaway car. The newlyweds didn’t know Andrew well, and he didn’t owe them anything. But his love for Jesus made him generous, and he delighted in blessing others simply because he had been blessed himself.
This is what true generosity looks like. It’s not just about giving because of obligation—it’s about being so transformed by God’s goodness that giving becomes second nature. Generosity is a heart issue, not a financial one.
Open Hands, Open Blessings
Many people live with a tight grip on their resources. But Proverbs 11:24 reminds us that withholding leads to lack, while generosity leads to abundance. Picture two people standing under a waterfall—one with closed fists and one with open hands. The one with open hands will be filled, while the one with clenched fists will let the water slip away.
The same principle applies to our finances, time, and talents. When we give freely, God positions us to receive more—not so we can stockpile, but so we can continue to bless others.
Generosity Transforms Lives
A well-known example of transformation through generosity is Ebenezer Scrooge. At the beginning of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is wealthy but miserable, hoarding his riches and avoiding relationships. But when he learns the consequences of his selfishness, he changes. By the end of the story, he is generous, joyful, and loved.
Martin Luther once said, “If our goods are not available to the community, they are not truly ours.” Everything we have is ultimately from God, and it is meant to be shared.
Sowing and Reaping: The Principle of Generosity
Paul reinforces this idea in 2 Corinthians 9:6-11:
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, NIV)
Generosity is like planting seeds. A farmer who plants little will harvest little, but one who sows generously will reap abundantly. This isn’t just about money—it’s about everything we offer to God and others: time, talents, resources, encouragement, and love.
Ways to Be Generous:
Time: Invest in people. Be present.
Talents: Use your gifts to serve others.
Resources: Give financially, whether to your church, charities, or those in need.
Kindness: Speak life into people, encourage them, and show hospitality.
God Provides for the Generous
Many hesitate to give because they fear not having enough. But Scripture reassures us that God provides for those who trust Him with their generosity.
1 John 3:16-18 reminds us:
"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
God doesn’t call us to do something He hasn’t already done. The ultimate act of generosity was Jesus laying down His life for us. When we live with open hands, we reflect His love.
Take a Step of Faith
If giving feels intimidating, start small. Maybe 10% is too much right now—start with 5%, or even 1%. Just begin. Trust God in this area and watch Him provide in ways you never expected.
Generosity isn’t about a number—it’s about the heart behind it. As John Wesley famously said:
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."