I”ll never forget the first time I was invited to the “Generosity Party.” Meg and I were in premarital counseling, and for months our pastor had been faithfully showing us from the Bible how God speaks into all the issues of marriage. We had only been following Jesus for three years, and we were still learning how to apply the Scriptures to many areas of life. We were amazed at how clearly and wisely the Bible spoke to the areas of communication, conflict resolution, sexual intimacy, and in-law relationships, and other topics we had already studied in our counseling. Then one day, we began to look at some financial principles with our pastor. Once again, the Bible was full of wisdom on so many issues: paying off debt, budgeting, saving, investing, and giving. When it came to giving, we began to understand how God called upon His people to give generously. In the Old Testament, God expected His people to give a tithe (10%) of their “firstfruits” to the ministry of the day (there were actually several “tithes” for different specified purposes along with a constant expectation of open-handed generosity).

In the New Testament, the standard for giving seemed to be for people to give “as much as they were able” and to then live from the rest (2 Corinthians 8:3 – see all of chapters 8 and 9 for further instruction and principles). Meg and I began to see how God intended our giving to be purposeful, sacrificial, cheerful, and regular. Admittedly, at the time as we were starting marriage on one small income and enrolling in seminary, it seemed impossible for us to prioritize giving. But we also became convinced of God’s promise to bless and provide for those who give sacrificially to Him: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 – see also Proverbs 3:9-10, 11:25, 22:9). And so, we began to exercise more faith in this area of giving (No, not perfectly! Often not even admirably! But always mindfully and seeking to grow in faith!), and God demonstrated His great faithfulness to us! As a result, we have discovered the joy God promises to those who aim for generous living! That’s why, as I shared in my recent message “Treasure Generosity,” I never hesitate to preach or teach on the topic of giving. God’s Word has made a great impact on my life in this area! And so it is truly a joy to look together with people into God’s Word, discover principles for generosity, and consider how to apply those principles in ways that will honor and delight the Lord! I do believe that in doing so, I have the great honor of inviting people to a “Generosity Party” – a way of compassionate living and sacrificial giving that leads to fantastic joy and blessing!
Now, don’t put away your party hat yet, because we have much to celebrate in this area. As I shared in that message, one generous family among us has offered to provide for new seating, flooring, lighting, and other potential upgrades for our worship space. We need to rejoice in that and pray for that!

I also invited you to pray with me based on the numbers in Proverbs 3:9-10 that the Lord would provide 3 especially generous gifts and 9 or 10 people who would newly commit to regular, purposeful giving by setting up a plan online. As I write this, we have recently received 3 large gifts totaling $95,000! We have also had 7 people newly commit to an online giving plan! I know I shouldn’t be surprised because I know how God works – but WOW! Praise the Lord!

Additionally, I know of multiple other displays of generosity in recent weeks that may seem smaller in nature but are extremely precious to God’s heart. And I know the Lord knows ALL of the generous ways our church is responding to Him in this area! Please continue to pray with me for our church – that God would provide for our needs to grow in ministry and that we would be good stewards of His resources!

Go to forcey.org/give to set up your online giving plan!