Generosity & Giving

Written By Jordan VanBoden

What It Is

Generosity is about sharing what God has given you — your money, time, resources, and possessions — to honor Him and bless others. It’s more than a financial habit; it’s a posture of the heart.

Everything we have ultimately comes from God (James 1:17), and giving is our joyful response to His goodness. When we give, we declare our trust in Him as our provider, we loosen the grip of greed and fear, and we become part of how God meets the needs of others.

Generosity is not measured by the size of the gift but by the love, faith, and obedience behind it. Even the smallest act of giving — when done from the heart — makes an eternal difference.

Why It Matters

  • It reflects God’s character. God is generous, and we become more like Him when we give.

  • It builds trust. Giving reminds us that everything we have belongs to God and that He will provide.

  • It blesses others. Our generosity can change lives, meet needs, and open hearts to the gospel.

  • It frees our hearts. Giving breaks the power of greed and teaches us to live with open hands.

How to Practice Generosity & Giving

Here are simple ways to build this discipline into your life:

Practice Tithing

  • Give the first 10% of your income back to God through your local church.

  • Tithing is an act of worship — a way of saying, “God, I trust You with all I have.”

Give Beyond the Tithe

  • Look for opportunities to give above and beyond — to missions, special offerings, or people in need.

  • Even small amounts, given faithfully, make a big impact in God’s hands.

Meet Practical Needs

  • Pay for someone’s groceries, cover a bill, or give anonymously to someone struggling.

  • Keep your eyes open for needs — generosity often starts with simply noticing.

Live Open-Handed

  • Generosity isn’t just about money. Share your time, skills, home, or possessions to bless others.

  • Be quick to offer help, share what you have, and look for ways to lighten someone’s load.

Tips for Staying Consistent

  • Make giving a regular part of your budget — not just an occasional action.

  • Pray before you give and ask God to show you where to sow.

  • Practice cheerful giving — not out of guilt or pressure, but out of love and gratitude.

Scriptures to Hold Onto

  • “God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

  • “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” – Proverbs 3:9

  • “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

Start Here:

  • Commit to tithing faithfully this month as an act of trust and worship.

  • Set aside a small “giving fund” to bless someone spontaneously.

  • Look for one practical way to share your time or resources this week.

Generosity is the natural overflow of a heart that knows how much it’s been given. As we give, we join God in His work — blessing others, building His kingdom, and declaring that He is our ultimate source.

Jordan VanBoden
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