Bible Study

How would you define generosity? To freely give or share all or more than is needed or required.

Let’s take a deeper look into what it means to be generous and the results it can bring.

Have children look up and read the Bible passages aloud. Then lead a discussion using the questions below.

1. 2 Corinthians 9:6–9:

⁶ Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ⁷You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. ⁹ As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

• In verse 6, what happens when a farmer plants a generous amount of seeds? He gets a generous crop.
• How is this like the first part of the SuperVerse—Proverbs 11:25? If you generously give to others, you will prosper or increase, grow wealthier. Sowing seeds and giving are similar. You reap what you sow.
• What does verse 7 tell us about the proper attitude and reasons to give? We should give because we want to, not because someone demands or pressures us to give. We must do it out of a giving heart and with a cheerful attitude.
• In verse 8, who will provide what we need to give? God.
• Will He give us just a little? No, He gives generously to us. Our needs are met and we will have plenty to share.
• According to verse 9, when we generously share and give to the poor, what happens? Our good deeds will be remembered forever.

2. Proverbs 19:17:

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord — and He will repay you!

• If we help the poor, what are we doing? Lending to the Lord.
• What will God do then? Repay us.
• Do you think God will repay us with actual money? Perhaps; but He will definitely bless us spiritually.
• Why do you think giving to the poor is lending to God? Because He loves and cares for them. By returning to God what He gives us, He doesn’t just store it up. He provides to others and multiplies what we give!
• How is this similar to the second part of the SuperVerse—Proverbs 11:25? God blesses us in return when we refresh others. He repays us when we give. So, we receive back from God by giving to others in both verses.

3. Ephesians 4:28:

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

• What is one way God provides so we might give to others? He provides for us through jobs and work that we do.
• Do you think it would be more difficult to give something you worked for versus something you were just given? Explain.
• How can Proverbs 19:17 help you to not be selfish with what you earn? We know that God sees our labor, our giving, and will repay and bless us.

Conclusion: God wants us to be kind and generous. When we are cheerful givers, especially to the poor, He takes notice and rewards us.