Let's be honest, when most of us hear the word "giving", it can feel like a burden or an obligation. But what if giving is actually an invitation to something greater? What if giving away the love that God has given us is the only way to fully experience the extraordinary life that Christ wants to offer us? Today we talk about how God transforms our simple acts of stewardship into blessings for ourselves and others in ways we may never expect.

2 Corinthians 8:1-12

1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you - see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 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 through His poverty might become rich.

10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. Describe a time when someone’s generosity made a meaningful difference in your life. How did it impact you?

2. In what ways have you struggled with the mindset of “scarcity” rather than trusting in God’s provision? How has that affected your willingness to give?

3. What does it mean to you that Jesus “became poor” for your sake (2 Corinthians 8:9)? How can this truth motivate generosity?

4. Think of one area in your life where you can take the next step in giving the life away. What specific change can you make?

For Families with Kids

1. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-12 together.

2. Look again at verses 1-5. Make a list of how Paul describes the Macedonian churches’ situation. What was the most important thing from this list that made them so generous?

3. In v 9, Jesus is used as our true example of giving. How does trusting in the Gospel increase our love for God and others while decreasing our love of self and our possessions?

4. The big goal of generosity is not to supply a need but to glorify God. Why is it key for us Christians to be generous as a way of glorifying God?

5. Talk about a time when you were in need and God helped you. Maybe God sent an individual who helped or God used the church.

6. Pray the Lord’s Prayer together.