Six Principles for Life – Lent Series, Week 5

Principle of the Week: Be Generous  

Scripture: Mark 12:41-44, Malachi 3:6-12, 1 John 3:17

 Personal Study

One of the greatest joys in life is that of living generously. Yet in our individualist culture, the attitude is that the money we earn is ours to spend as we please. God looks at it differently…“the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1. It’s simple—it’s all God’s!

Read Mark 12:41-44. What made the widow’s offering of greater value than that of the rich people?  What can you learn from this story?

Read Malachi 3:6-12 and 1 John 3:17.  What does God say about people who do not tithe?

 In first John, what is the message?

 What fears perpetuate your unwillingness to give?

Discussion

Would others describe your family or corps congregation as “generous”?  Why or why not?

Journal

Am I honestly giving the Lord his tithe and even more besides? What do I need to change in my life to live as a generous person? Pray about this: consider perhaps committing to tithing, adding Sponsorship of a home or school to that commitment as a love offering to God, helping a young person at the Corps back home be able to attend Youth Councils or other events…..there is no end to the things you can do! Test God in this and see how he responds!