Among the character traits that any good disciple should exhibit, generosity ranks pretty high. Not surprisingly, the Bible has a lot to say about the benefits of developing a heart that is inclined to share, to give and to love. Check out these four short devotionals on generosity, from biblelessonstuff.com. (Photo: Alvanman, Creative Commons)
Generosity names not merely something we do but also an admirable quality of character, something we are. Undergirding the character of truly generous people is a special awareness of themselves, others, and God’s gracious provision for the world. From Baylor University’s Institute for Faith and Learning. (Photo © laurent hamels – Fotolia.com)
Here’s a free online course on biblical stewardship that you can really sink your teeth into. “Four Gospels” pays attention to the stewardship-of-life underpinnings of the four Gospels as it provides a scholarly overview. From Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.
Give your congregation a thorough grounding on what the Bible says about generosity and abundance. This free, eight-page Bible study from the United Church of Christ highlights verses from the Old and New Testaments. Suitable for one or more sessions.
Perfect for your small-group ministry or Christian education class, a video and study guide that explores how Matthew’s gospel handles the issue of stewardship. Very challenging material from the Center for Faith and Giving (Disciples of Christ). (Photo © Vibe Images – Fotolia.com)
“What is Christian giving? The Bible helps us to answer this question,” begins a 10-page PDF that looks at Scripture to illuminate important aspects of stewardship — Gifts from God, Giving Time, Giving Talent, and Giving Money. A nice primer from the Church of Scotland.
Here’s a free, seven-part curriculum for leaders who want to plumb the depths of their congregation’s financial soul.
When Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, he did not promise to read scripture more faithfully nor to attend the synagogue more regularly. On this occasion he was not pledging his time or his talent to the programmatic mission of the faith community. Worthy as those are — and necessary for the life of the people of God — this visit was about something else.
You and I learn much about living as faithful stewards from the examples of others. For example, let’s examine the calls of two men, hoping thereby that we can examine, accept, and renew our own calls. (Illustration is Michaelangelo’s depiction of Isaiah at the Sistine Chapel.)
The Rev. George Haynes
Are we allowed to do with our possessions what we want? And what belongs to us, and what belongs to God, anyway? When you look at the biblical witness, the answers are astounding.
