Generosity That Transforms Series

### ** Introduction **

Video Ill.: I Like College by I Like Giving

In a time when political platforms focus on personal gain, Jesus calls us to live with a radically different mindset—one of charity and generosity that transforms both the giver and the receiver.

It was this generosity that helped the young man in the video be able to say in college. People gave a little. People gave a lot. People gave what they had generously.

This morning, we are continuing our series entitled Faith beyond the Ballot Box. In a world full of political division and uncertainty, one thing remains constant—our faith in Christ.

We began our study, remembering that no matter the results of the election, we can rest assured that God's kingdom is eternal and unshakable. Jesus is Lord over all earthly powers, and our true citizenship lies in His kingdom—a kingdom not defined by political leaders but by humility, servanthood, and ultimate allegiance to God.

We saw a few of weeks ago how our unity is not based on cultural, social, or political similarities, but rather on our shared identity in Jesus—we are sinners saved by an amazing grace. As believers, we are called to elevate Jesus above our differences and work together as one body, reflecting God's love and bringing hope to a divided world.

A couple of weeks ago, we saw that in a world where pride often drives division—especially during the election season—humility is the key to fostering unity and healing. With Jesus as our example, we saw how humility dismantles pride and invites healing, not only in our relationships but in our nation as well.

Last week, we explored how kindness and compassion are essential for living out our faith in today’s divided world. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s heart through our actions and words, promoting healing where division exists. By choosing kindness in our speech and service, we demonstrate the love of Christ to a world desperately in need of hope.

**Main Idea**:  This morning, true generosity reflects the heart of God, and it is another way we live out our faith beyond the ballot box. This morning, we’ll explore how charity and generosity can transform lives, communities, and our world.

### **I. Generosity is Rooted in God's Grace **

In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes about the churches in Macedonia. Those churches gave generously even in the midst of their own poverty because they had experienced God’s grace. Follow along as we read from 2 Corinthians 8:

1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in His kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

3 For I can testify that they gave not only what || they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

6 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. 7 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.

8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I || am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. (2 Corinthians 8, NLT)

Paul is calling the church in Corinth to be generous because of the grace we’ve received from God.

Often, though, we have the mentality of a little girl that I read about:

Only the Beginning ...

Source: Heidi Husted, "The Sermon on the Amount," Preaching Today, Tape No. 122.

https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/1997/july/750.html

Copied from Preaching Today

This little girl experienced a major breakthrough in her life when she learned to tie her own shoes. Instead of excitement, though, she was overcome by tears.

Her father asked, "Why are you crying?"

"I have to tie my shoes," she said.

"You just learned how. It isn't that hard, is it?"

"I know," she wailed, "but I'm going to have to do it for the rest of my life."