What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

What Does The Bible Say About Generosity? The answer will guide everyone into knowing the truth about what God is saying on this subject matter. Generosity is the quality of being kind and unselfish, especially when it comes to sharing money and other valuables with others. Truth be told, the Bible says much about generosity as a desirable character trait. We can support this by reading from Proverbs 22:9 – “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Our Heavenly Father is highly generous and expects us to do same. The Almighty’s generosity is evidenced around us. Just look around and you’ll find a reason to thank God for His generosity. In His goodness, He created this planet that is specially suited for us and provides for our needs.

All things happen for the good of those who love God. Let’s support this message by reading from Romans 8:28 – “We know that in all things, God works for good with those who love Him, those whom He calls according to His purpose.” In simple terms, God is generous enough to offer good things to those who love Him. He supplies us with beautiful colors, sound, air, light, and the ability to hear, taste, touch, appreciate, and enjoy these good things. Above all, God offered His one and only beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as a living sacrifice to atone for our sin. In the face of such generosity, we can only express ourselves inline with Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:15 – “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” Today, anyone who Sincerely Repents and obeys the Key Teachings of Jesus Christ is given Eternal Life.

What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

What the Scriptures say about Generosity

Just as we’ve been forgiven by God through Christ, we must forgive all those who wrong us (Ephesians 4:32). In the same light, as we see God being generous, we are to be generous. Talking about generosity, it is important to understand that it can be manifested in many ways. We can give of our time, hospitality, friendship, and even material resources. The Bible clearly teaches us the general principle that those who are generous will find favor before God. Let’s support this teachings by reading from Proverbs 11:24-26 – “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. People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.”

We can say according to God’s word that the generous are remembered and rewarded, whether in this life or the next. On daily basis, God challenges us to be generous because He desires to see us benefiting from the blessings that come from it. Jesus Christ says in Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This is a reflection of 2 Chronicles 16:9 – “the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” The rich should be “generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). In our generosity, we are not to expect repayment in kind. Our reward will come from God Almighty at His time and in His way.

Important facts to know about Generosity

We are more likely to think about generosity exclusively in terms of abundance in financial giving. However, to be generous can also mean having a noble or kindly spirit towards others. It is important to understand here that generosity is not solely about large quantities, but addresses one’s attitude and actions towards others. Haplotēs is the Greek word that has been translated in the New Testament as “Generosity.” This Greek term speaks to singleness or simplicity or being free of pretense. Agathos is a similar Greek word that is also translated as “Generosity” on a few occasions in the New Testament. This Greek word speaks of being of good nature or excelling in a certain respect.

Chanan is the Hebrew term being translated as “Generosity” in the Old Testament. This Hebrew word speaks of showing favor to or having pity upon. In a more literal sense, Chanan refers to bending in kindness to someone inferior to you. Having said all these things, it is important that you understand that generosity is not reserved for those with a vast wealth or other material resources. In simple terms, generosity is a godly act that everyone can carryout at his/her own level. The Bible tells us that anyone who does not love does not know God (1 John 4:8). Hence, if our generous thoughts, words, and actions are not fueled or motivated by love, they are not acceptable before the throne of God. Hence, no reward will be given for such. According to what the Bible says about generosity, it is love that makes our gifts acceptable by God.

What The Bible Says About Generosity

Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Psalm 112:5 – “Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,who conduct their affairs with justice.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 – “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 9:11 – “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person will prosper;whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Luke 11:13 – “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

2 Corinthians 9:10 – “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”

Luke 6:30 – “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.”

2 Corinthians 8:12 – “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”

Group 1 – What The Bible Says About Generosity

Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Proverbs 11:24-25 – “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Acts 20:35 – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

2 Corinthians 9:6 – “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Luke 21:1-4 – “Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

Group 2 – What The Bible Says About Generosity

Matthew 10:42 – “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

Mark 12:41-44 – “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.””

Proverbs 21:13 – “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”

1 John 3:17 – “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

ALSO READ God Has Given Us Power and Authority Over the Enemy

Group 3 – What The Bible Says About Generosity

Psalm 112:5 – “It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.”

Proverbs 22:9 – “Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”

Matthew 6:1-4 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.””

2 Corinthians 9:5-7 – “So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Proverbs 11:25 – “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Group 4 – What The Bible Says About Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:11 – “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.”

Luke 12:33 – “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.”

Hebrews 13:16 – “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Proverbs 28:27 – “Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”

Acts 2:45 – “And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

1 Timothy 6:18-19 – “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

Group 5 – What The Bible Says About Generosity

2 Corinthians 8:12 – “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.”

Matthew 25:34-40 – “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? …”

2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

Proverbs 11:24 – “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want

Psalm 41:1-3 – “To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.”

Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Group 6 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 – “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”

2 Corinthians 9:13 – “By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,”

Luke 6:30 – “Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.”

Isaiah 32:8 – “But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands.”

2 Corinthians 9:10 – “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”

Luke 6:37-38 – “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Group 7 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

2 Corinthians 8:7 – “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.”

1 John 3:16-18 – “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

1 Timothy 6:17 – “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”

ALSO READ What Does it Mean that he who Endures to the End will be Saved (Matthew 24:13)?

Group 8 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

Luke 3:10-11 – And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

2 Corinthians 8:12-15 – “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.””

1 Chronicles 29:14 – “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”

Mark 12:41 – “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums.”

Psalm 112:9 – “He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.”

Matthew 25:21 – “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”

Psalm 119:36 – “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”

Group 9 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

Leviticus 25:35-37 – “If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.”

Proverbs 14:21 – “Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”

Deuteronomy 15:10 – “You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.”

Matthew 5:42 – “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”

Matthew 25:40 – “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Matthew 19:21 – Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Group 10 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

James 2:15-16 – “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”

Acts 4:32-35 – “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”

Acts 20:33-35 – “I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Leviticus 19:9-10 – “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”

Group 11 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

Acts 4:34-37 – “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Exodus 35:22 – “So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord.”

Luke 12:33-34 – “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 – “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

Group 12 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

2 Corinthians 9:1-15 – “Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. …”

Ephesians 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,”

2 Corinthians 8:2 – “For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.”

Exodus 35:22 – “So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 9:5 – “So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.”

ALSO READ What Does the Bible Say About True Religion?

Group 13 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

Luke 10:30-37 – “Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. …”

Matthew 7:12 – “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Luke 10:27 – “And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.””

1 Timothy 6:9 – “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”

Galatians 6:6 – “One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.”

Genesis 33:11 – ““Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” Thus he urged him, and he took it.”

Romans 12:13 – “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

Psalm 50:10 – “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.”

Group 14 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

2 Corinthians 8:2-3 – “For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part, For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,”

Romans 12:6-8 – “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation, the one who contributes, in generosity, the one who leads, with zeal, the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Acts 17:10-11 – “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

Isaiah 58:6-7 – “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”

Group 15 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

Luke 12:15 – And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Leviticus 27:30 – “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.”

Acts 2:44-45 – “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.“

Psalm 24:1 – “A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,”

Acts 3:6 – But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

Deuteronomy 16:17 – “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.”

Luke 16:19-31 – “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. …”

Group 16 – What Does The Bible Say About Generosity?

Luke 11:13 – “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

2 Corinthians 8:1-24 – “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. ...”

Psalm 37:26 – “He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.”

Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”

Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”