Generosity: Reflecting God's Heart Through Trust and Intentionality

Summary

Today’s focus is on the heart posture of generosity and how it reflects our relationship with God. Generosity is not about bank statements or responding to pressure, but about honoring God with our first and best, not our leftovers. Just as we would prepare our best meal for a guest of honor, our giving should reflect the value and honor we place on God’s role in our lives. The way we give—intentionally, cheerfully, and sacrificially—reveals much about our priorities and trust in God.

Generosity is described as a seed to sow, not just a tip or a donation. When we give, we are planting seeds that God promises to multiply in ways that go beyond financial return—sometimes in provision, sometimes in spiritual blessings, and always in ways that align us with His heart. Hoarding or keeping for ourselves cuts us off from the flow of God’s blessing, while giving brings us under His favor and aligns us with His generous nature.

Intentionality is key. Generosity requires a decision—a deliberate choice to prioritize giving over getting. This is not accidental or impulsive, but planned and purposeful. Tithing, giving the first tenth, is not the ceiling of generosity but the floor; it is the starting point of obedience, not the finish line of generosity. God’s Word challenges us to test Him in this, promising to open the floodgates of heaven when we honor Him with our first and best.

Generosity also reflects the very heart of God. God is not stingy; He is abundantly generous, giving His own Son for us. When we give cheerfully, we mirror His character and participate in His work in the world. Our giving is not just about what it accomplishes, but about what it reveals—our trust, our priorities, and our likeness to Christ.

Ultimately, generosity flows from trust. Trusting God with our resources means believing that 90% with His blessing is far better than 100% without. Fear is often the greatest barrier to generosity, but God calls us to give so that our trust in Him grows. As we give, we are not just letting go of money; we are grabbing hold of trust, reflecting the heart of the One who gave first and best—Jesus.

Key Takeaways

- Generosity is a seed to sow, not just a transaction. When we give, we plant seeds that God multiplies in ways we cannot always predict—sometimes in provision, sometimes in spiritual growth, and always in alignment with His purposes. Hoarding cuts us off from God’s blessing, but giving brings us under His favor and aligns us with His generous nature. [44:48]

- Intentional generosity requires a decision, not a reaction. True giving is not accidental or impulsive, but a deliberate choice to prioritize God with our first and best. This intentionality means planning, budgeting, and cutting off other options, making generosity a discipline that shapes our hearts and lives. [50:33]

- Tithing is the starting point, not the finish line, of biblical generosity. The tithe belongs to God and is an act of obedience, not generosity. Only after we have honored God with the tithe do we step into the realm of true generosity, which is giving above and beyond, reflecting a heart that trusts God’s provision and desires to participate in His work. [53:18]

- Generosity reflects the heart and character of God. God is not stingy or reluctant; He is abundantly generous, giving His own Son for us. When we give cheerfully and sacrificially, we mirror His nature, and our giving becomes a testimony to His love and grace in our lives. [58:17]

- Generosity is ultimately an act of trust. Trusting God with our resources means believing that His blessing on what remains is greater than what we could keep for ourselves. Fear often holds us back, but as we step out in faith, we discover that giving is not about loss, but about growing in trust and experiencing God’s faithfulness. [59:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:26] - Family Update & Prayer for the Nations
[33:43] - Praying for Iran, Israel, and the Church
[35:55] - Introduction to Generosity
[37:07] - 2 Corinthians 9: The Heart of Giving
[38:32] - Honoring God with Our First and Best
[39:22] - What Does Your Giving Say About Your Priorities?
[41:48] - Four Truths About Generosity
[43:18] - Generosity as a Seed to Sow
[46:30] - Generosity Requires a Decision
[49:30] - The Power of Intentional Giving
[51:22] - The Impact of Tithing
[53:18] - Tithing: The Floor, Not the Ceiling
[55:04] - Generosity Reflects God’s Heart
[58:46] - Generosity Flows from Trust
[01:00:37] - Giving First and Best
[01:01:24] - Communion: Remembering the Ultimate Gift
[01:08:23] - Challenge and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Heart Posture of Generosity

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### Bible Reading

- 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 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.

- Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

- Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, what kind of attitude does God want us to have when we give?
2. What does Proverbs 3:9-10 say will happen when we honor God with our first and best?
3. In the sermon, what everyday examples did Pastor Todd use to illustrate the difference between giving our best and giving our leftovers? [[39:22]]
4. What does Malachi 3:10 say is the result of bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes deciding in your heart how much to give, rather than giving out of pressure or reluctance? [[37:07]]
2. How does giving our “first and best” to God reflect our priorities and trust in Him, according to the sermon? [[38:32]]
3. The sermon says tithing is the “floor, not the ceiling” of generosity. What does that mean for how we view giving? [[53:18]]
4. Pastor Todd said that generosity is a seed to sow, not just a transaction. How does this change the way we think about giving? [[44:48]]

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### Application Questions

1. If someone looked at your giving—how much, how often, and with what attitude—what would they conclude about your relationship with God? Would it show that He is a high priority in your life? [[40:48]]
2. Think about a time when you gave intentionally versus a time you gave impulsively or accidentally (like rounding up at a store or buying something from a kid at your door). How did those experiences feel different? What did you learn from them? [[46:30]]
3. Pastor Todd shared that tithing is just the starting point of generosity, not the finish line. If you already tithe, what might it look like for you to take a next step in generosity? If you don’t tithe, what is one step you could take toward intentional giving? [[53:18]]
4. The sermon said that fear is often the biggest barrier to generosity. What fears or worries hold you back from giving more freely? How can you bring those fears to God this week? [[58:46]]
5. Pastor Todd challenged the church to “test God” in the area of tithing, as Malachi 3:10 invites. What would it look like for you to take God up on that challenge? Is there a specific way you can test God’s faithfulness in your finances this month? [[01:02:41]]
6. Generosity is described as a reflection of God’s own heart—He gave His Son for us. How can your giving (of time, money, or resources) be a way to mirror God’s character to others this week? [[58:17]]
7. When you think about giving your “first and best” to God, what practical changes could you make in your budget, schedule, or habits to make this a reality? [[01:00:37]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you trust Him more with your resources, to give with a cheerful heart, and to reflect His generous nature in all you do.

Devotional

Day 1: Generosity is a Seed to Sow

Generosity is not just a financial transaction; it is a spiritual principle that mirrors the act of sowing seeds, where the measure and spirit in which you give determines the harvest you will receive. When you give, you are not simply tipping God or making a donation, but planting seeds that will yield a harvest in your life and in the lives of others. God’s blessings may return in unexpected ways—sometimes material, sometimes spiritual, but always in accordance with His goodness. Holding back or hoarding cuts us off from the flow of God’s blessing, while giving brings us under His favor and aligns us with His generous nature. Consider what kind of harvest you are sowing toward and whether your giving reflects trust in God’s promise to provide. [44:48]

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NLT)
"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. You 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."

Reflection: Where in your life are you sowing seeds of generosity, and what kind of harvest do you hope to see God bring from your giving?


Day 2: Generosity Requires a Decision

Becoming generous is not accidental; it is the result of a deliberate, intentional choice to prioritize giving over getting. True generosity is not about spontaneous or pressured giving, but about planning, budgeting, and making a conscious decision to honor God with your resources. This kind of giving requires you to “cut off” other options, choosing to put God first and to kill off selfishness or reluctance. When you decide to give, you are not just moving money—you are shaping your heart and aligning your life with God’s purposes. Intentional, percentage-based giving is God’s plan to fund His kingdom and to grow your own heart in the process. [50:33]

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)
"You 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."

Reflection: What specific decision can you make this week to plan and prioritize generosity, rather than leaving it to chance or impulse?


Day 3: Generosity Reflects the Heart of God

Generosity is at the core of God’s character; He is not stingy or reluctant, but abundantly generous, giving freely and cheerfully. When you give with joy, you reflect the very heart of God, who gave His Son for us and continues to pour out blessings beyond measure. Giving is not about obligation but about participating in the joy and abundance of God’s love. The more you embrace a “get to” attitude rather than a “have to” attitude, the more your life will mirror the generous nature of Jesus, who gave everything for us. [55:51]

Acts 20:35 (NLT)
"And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your attitude from “I have to give” to “I get to give,” and how might that change your experience of generosity?


Day 4: Generosity Flows from Trust

Generosity is ultimately an act of trust, believing that God will provide for all your needs and that His blessing on what remains is greater than keeping it all for yourself. Fear is often the greatest barrier to giving, but God calls you to trust Him with your resources, promising to supply and even increase what you need so that you can continue to be generous. When you give first and best, you honor God as your King and demonstrate that your trust is in Him, not in your own ability to provide. Tithing and generosity are not just about money—they are about letting go of control and grabbing hold of faith. [01:00:37]

Proverbs 3:9-10 (NLT)
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine."

Reflection: What is one area where fear is holding you back from trusting God with your resources, and how can you take a step of faith in that area this week?


Day 5: Jesus’ Generosity is Our Example

No one has ever given more generously than Jesus, who gave His life freely, cheerfully, and completely for us. His sacrifice is the ultimate model of generosity, showing that true giving is not about calculating a safe percentage but about offering ourselves fully to God and others. Communion is a reminder of this most generous act in history, calling us to respond with gratitude and a willingness to give our lives back to Him. As you reflect on Jesus’ generosity, consider how you can mirror His self-giving love in your own life, not just in finances but in every area of devotion and service. [01:02:41]

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT)
"You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich."

Reflection: How does remembering Jesus’ ultimate generosity on the cross inspire you to live and give more generously today?

Quotes

Remember, God didn't create you and I to be hoarders, to be keepers. He created us to be more like Him and He by nature is a what? He's a giver. He's very generous. He created us to be that. That's why Jesus says, give and you will receive. And if that's true and it's in red in your Bible, I believe it. If that's true, wouldn't that mean that the reverse is true? Keep and it shall be kept from you. [00:44:19] (33 seconds)  #CreatedToGive Edit Clip

Tithing is not generous. It's obedient. Generosity doesn't start until after we've tithed. The tithe doesn't belong to you. Leviticus chapter 27 verse 30 says the tithe belongs to the Lord. So the famous verse in Malachi chapter 3 where God is telling the Jews that they were robbing him. Why were they robbing him? They were robbing him because they were taking, they weren't paying the tithe. They were spending the tithe. That's why he says that they were robbing God. So we could say it this way, we pay our tithe, we give our offerings. [00:52:40] (46 seconds)  #TithingIsObedience Edit Clip

Jesus didn't just preach generosity. He literally embodied it. Giving cheerfully reflects the joy and the abundance of God's love. And having an attitude towards giving that says, I get to, instead of I have to. [00:56:01] (17 seconds)  #JoyfulGenerosity Edit Clip

God's character is not stingy or selfish, it's generous. So think about, like, which best reflects the nature and character of Jesus? Is he a stingy, selfish follower of God, or is it somebody that is generous? It's a pretty easy question, isn't it? Which one better represents him? Because we know what he's like. For God so loved the world that he kept for himself. No, they gave. His love for us is laughing. It's abundant. It's extravagant. It's freely given. It's not limited, not measured. It's exceedingly overflowing. So when we give generously, it reflects his heart. [00:57:58] (48 seconds)  #ReflectGodsHeart Edit Clip

And lastly, generosity flows from trust. Verse 8 in our text says, and God will generously provide all you need, then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. I think basically it comes down to this question, will you trust that 90% with God's blessing is better than 100% without? And I'm here to testify way better, not even just a little better, it's way better. [00:58:46] (36 seconds)  #GenerosityFlowsFromTrust Edit Clip

What I have found through the years is that fear is the number one barrier to generosity. But God doesn't call us to give so that we go without. He calls us to give so we grow in trust. And if we trust, he promises to grow our resources, which then grows our generosity. [00:59:21] (25 seconds)  #FearBlocksGenerosity Edit Clip

Here's what I know, giving first and giving best. It honors our king so that we're not giving him leftovers, so we're not giving him something that wouldn't honor him. Now generosity matters not just because of what it accomplishes, probably much more what it reveals. When we give, we're not just letting go of money. We're actually grabbing hold of trust. Tithing tests trust. And we're reflecting the heart of God who gave first and he gave best. [01:00:37] (43 seconds)  #GivingRevealsTrust Edit Clip

See, communion is our reminder of the most generous act in human history, the cross. It's not about what we've done for God. It's about what he has done for us. And so we take the bread and the cup today and we do it with grateful hearts. We remember the gift. We celebrate the giver and we respond by saying, Lord, my life, my life is yours. [01:02:14] (27 seconds)  #CommunionRemindsGenerosity Edit Clip