GENEROSITY – An Attribute of a Believer

**This teaching from Founded In Truth Ministries**

Led by Matthew Vander Els, this teaching focuses on the importance of generosity as a defining characteristic of a believer in Yeshua (Jesus). The teaching emphasizes that generosity is not merely about giving money but encompasses giving time, energy, and talents as well. It challenges the common hesitancy and reluctance towards giving, urging believers to embrace generosity as a natural and joyful expression of their faith.

**How to Apply This Teaching to Everyday Life:**

• Cultivate a Cheerful Giving Heart: Give with joy and without compulsion, recognizing that God loves a cheerful giver.
• Make Generosity a Lifestyle: Integrate generosity into daily life, rather than limiting it to occasional acts or surplus giving.
• Trust God’s Provision: Believe that God will provide for your needs as you prioritize giving to others.
• Recognize the Value of All Gifts: Appreciate that generosity extends beyond monetary contributions and includes offering time, energy, encouragement, and talents.
• Prioritize Giving to Fellow Believers: Show special care and support for those within the household of faith.

**References:**

• Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
• Romans 8:11: “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
• 2 Corinthians Chapters 8 and 9: Paul’s letters to the Corinthians discussing the importance of generosity and the collection for the believers in Jerusalem.
• 2 Corinthians 9:6: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
• Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
• Matthew 7:2: “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
• Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
• John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
• 2 Corinthians 9:7: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
• 1 John 3:17: “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”
• 2 Corinthians 9:11: “being enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”
• 2 Corinthians 9:10-11: “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, being enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”
• Proverbs 11:23: “The desire of the righteous is