Generous God

Christians should be the most generous people in the world. And the Bible gives evidence to back this up. Learn about why in this series!

Podcasts + Discipleship: Click to Learn How to Use PursueGOD

PursueGOD is a new kind of discipleship curriculum for an increasingly complicated world. We use podcasts on a variety of topics to offer no-nonsense answers to everyday questions. Then we organize these podcasts into series so you can use them to make disciples at church, home, or in the world. Here’s how it works:

  1. Pick a series from our homepage. There's plenty to choose from!
  2. Each series contains multiple lessons. Click on the numbered tabs to open each lesson.
  3. Start by listening to the podcast on your own, before you meet as a group. Take notes as needed, and listen again if it helps. Consider starting a discipleship journal to track what you're learning.
  4. Meet as a group to talk through what you learned from the podcast. Each lesson includes shownotes, talking points, and discussion questions. Click on the # tab to explore additional topics.
  5. Listen to the podcast above for more helpful tips or check out one of our many training series.

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Generosity: A Biblical Perspective
Today we begin a four-week series on generosity. The central idea is simple: Christians should be the most generous people in the world. And research confirms that they often are.

The Generosity of Christians in Giving

Studies from the Barna Group and Philanthropy Roundtable reveal that Christians donate significantly more money to both religious and secular charities than non-religious individuals.

  • In 2018, secular households in the U.S. gave an average of $1,225, with a median donation of $450.
  • Religious households donated an average of $2,656, with a median of $1,000.

The World Giving Index Rankings

The World Giving Index ranks countries based on three measures: helping a stranger, donating money, and volunteering time. Within the 2023 report, the top five show:

  • #3 Kenya: 60 overall score; 53% donated money, 51% volunteered time. Kenya has a large Christian population (~85%) and strong communal support networks despite challenges like poverty and instability.
  • #2 Ukraine: 62 overall score; 78% donated money, 37% volunteered time. In response to war, Ukrainians have demonstrated extraordinary generosity. Many see helping others as a biblical duty.
  • #1 Indonesia: 68 overall score; 82% donated money, 61% volunteered time. The culture of zakat (charitable giving) drives generosity in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.
  • #5 USA: 58 overall score; 61% donated money, 38% volunteered time. Though the U.S. contributes the most in absolute terms, it falls below average in foreign aid as a percentage of its GNI.

Defining Generosity

Generosity is giving to others through a selfless act without expecting anything in return.

  1. Giving to others – This includes finances, relationships, and more.
  2. A selfless act – Biblical generosity is not about personal gain.
  3. Without expecting anything in return – True generosity isn’t transactional.

In this series, we’ll explore:

  • Week 2: Giving
  • Week 3: Serving
  • Week 4: Forgiving

Biblical Examples of God’s Generosity

God’s Generous Provision

Genesis 1:28-30 – From the beginning, God has provided abundantly for humanity. His provision continues regardless of our worthiness. Matthew 5:45 – “He gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good.”

God’s Generous Guidance

James 1:5 – “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” 1 Kings 3:9-13 – Solomon asked for wisdom, and God granted him both wisdom and additional blessings.

God’s Generous Love

John 3:16 – “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son.” Romans 5:8 – “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

Takeaway

Since God has been so generous to us, how should we respond? The Bible encourages us to reflect His generosity by giving freely, serving others, and forgiving those who wrong us. That’s our focus for this series.

Talking Points:
  • Christians statistically give more to charitable causes than non-religious individuals.
  • Generosity is about giving without expecting anything in return.
  • The Bible showcases God’s generosity in provision, guidance, and love.
  • Generosity extends beyond money—it includes time, service, and forgiveness.
  • Our motivation to be generous comes from recognizing God’s generosity toward us.
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. What does generosity mean to you? How do you see it reflected in your life?
  3. Why do you think religious people tend to give more than non-religious people?
  4. What are some ways you can practice generosity beyond financial giving?
  5. How does God’s generosity in the Bible inspire you to be generous?
  6. Have you ever received an act of generosity that impacted your life? Share your experience.
  7. In what ways can we ensure that our generosity is truly selfless?
  8. How does generosity in finances, serving, and forgiving connect to spiritual growth?

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What Christians Get Wrong About the Tithe
Tithing is often misunderstood in Christian communities. Many believers still think they’re required to give exactly 10% of their income to the church, but is that really what the Bible teaches? The truth is more nuanced—and more freeing—than most realize.

Myth #1: Christians Are Commanded to Tithe
The 10% tithe is rooted in the Old Testament, specifically the Mosaic Law, and served more like a national tax than a voluntary religious offering. Its purposes included:

  • Support for Levites who served in the temple and had no land inheritance. Numbers 18:21-24

  • Funding for festivals and worship. Deuteronomy 14:23

  • Provision for the poor, including orphans, widows, and foreigners. Deuteronomy 14:28-29

These tithes collectively added up to about 23.3% over a three-year cycle, far from the flat 10% often taught today. Importantly, the New Testament does not command Christians to tithe. It references tithing only four times (Hebrews 7, Matthew 23, Luke 11, and Luke 18), and always in historical or critical contexts—not as a New Covenant command.

Myth #2: Christians Are Free Not to Give
Some Christians, realizing they’re not bound by the tithe, swing too far and assume giving is optional. That’s a mistake. Jesus taught about money frequently because our generosity reveals our devotion.
Consider these teachings:

  • The Rich Young Ruler: Jesus warned how wealth can become a spiritual barrier. Matthew 19:23

  • The Rich Fool: Greed leads to spiritual poverty. Luke 12:15

  • Serving God vs. Money: You can’t do both. Matthew 6:24

  • Give to God what belongs to God: Giving is part of worship. Mark 12:17

  • The Cost of Discipleship: True discipleship includes radical generosity. Luke 14:33

Freedom in Christ isn’t freedom from giving—it’s an invitation to give generously, joyfully, and sacrificially.

Myth #3: God Only Cares About the Heart, Not the Amount
Yes, God looks at the heart—but He also pays attention to the amount relative to what we have. That’s the point of the widow’s offering:

  • Luke 21:1-4 – Jesus noticed she gave everything she had, while others gave a tiny part of their surplus.

This teaches us that true generosity isn’t measured in dollars but in percentage—and the heart that gives sacrificially and in faith is the heart God praises.

The Bottom Line:
New Testament believers are not commanded to tithe a legalistic 10%. But God still calls us to give. And not just anything—but generously, cheerfully, and sacrificially. Generosity is a reflection of our love and trust in God.

Talking Points:
  • Christians are not commanded to tithe in the New Testament. Hebrews 7:5-6, Matthew 23:23, Luke 18:12
  • The Old Testament tithe was more of a national tax to support religious and social functions. Numbers 18:21-24, Deuteronomy 14:23, Deuteronomy 14:28-29
  • Just because we aren’t required to tithe doesn’t mean we’re free to ignore giving. Matthew 6:24, Luke 12:15
  • Jesus talked about money more than nearly any other topic because it reveals our hearts. Matthew 19:23, Luke 14:33
  • God does care about your heart, but He also pays attention to how much you give relative to what you have. Luke 21:1-4
  • True generosity is sacrificial, cheerful, and rooted in trust in God—not obligation.

Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Before reading this, what did you believe about the tithe? Has your view changed?
  3. What is your attitude toward money and giving? How do you think God views it?
  4. Why do you think Jesus taught so much about money and possessions?
  5. Have you ever given sacrificially or cheerfully? What was the result?
  6. What does it mean to you to give in a way that reflects generosity and trust in God?
  7. How can you challenge yourself to grow in generosity this year?

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Generosity That Gets Its Hands Dirty
Week 3 of 4 – Series on Generosity
Big Idea: Generosity isn’t just something you give. It’s something you live. When we serve others, we reflect the heart of Jesus.

We often equate generosity with financial giving. While that’s certainly part of it, biblical generosity goes much deeper. True generosity gets its hands dirty—it rolls up its sleeves, sees a need, and meets it with love and sacrifice. It’s not just about what you give from your wallet, but what you give of yourself.

This type of generosity is countercultural. From the time of Machiavelli to modern corporate leadership, the world has taught us that those in power should rise above the mess. Leaders delegate the dirty work, while servants stay at the bottom. But Jesus flipped that model entirely. He stepped down from heaven, picked up a towel, and washed his disciples’ feet. Then he gave up his life.

Jesus didn’t lead from above—he led from among. That’s the example we’re called to follow. His generosity wasn’t limited to giving money. He gave time, energy, attention, compassion, and ultimately, his life.

Jesus Modeled Servant Leadership

In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus corrected his disciples’ view of greatness. They were arguing about who would have status in the kingdom, but Jesus reframed their thinking: “Whoever wants to be great must be a servant.” He pointed to himself as the model: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life.” That’s the kind of generosity that costs something.

In John 13:34, Jesus reinforced this after washing his disciples’ feet: “Love each other as I have loved you.” And how did he love them? Through selfless, humble service. That’s our model.

1. Servanthood at Home

True generosity starts at home. In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are told to love their wives as Christ loved the church—by giving up his life for her. Real love is more than emotion or words; it’s action. That same spirit of selflessness should define how we relate to our spouse, our children, and our families.

One way to raise servant-hearted kids is to connect their chores to purpose. “This blesses your sibling. This supports our family.” Another way is to serve together. Whether it’s volunteering at church or helping a neighbor, families that serve together grow together.

2. Servanthood at Church

The early church modeled shared responsibility. In Acts 6:3, the apostles appointed men to oversee daily tasks, showing that practical service was a key part of ministry. Today, churches thrive when every member sees themselves as a contributor, not just a consumer.

At many churches, volunteers serve in kids’ ministry, hospitality, worship, tech, and facility care. Our own churches operate without a single paid custodian across all campuses. That’s generosity in action—people using their time and energy for the good of others.

But servanthood in the church goes beyond organized roles. Galatians 5:13 tells us to serve one another in love. Romans 12:13 encourages hospitality and readiness to help when God’s people are in need. Whether it’s hosting someone in your home or helping a young couple, informal acts of love can be just as powerful as formal ministries.

3. Servanthood in the World

Generosity isn’t limited to the church. Galatians 6:10 says to do good to everyone—especially those in the family of faith, but not exclusively. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 drives the point home. Real love doesn’t check someone’s beliefs or background first. It sees a need and responds with compassion.

In a world filled with loneliness and need, small acts of service can go a long way. Whether it’s offering a meal, opening your home, or simply being present for someone, generous servanthood is how we carry Jesus into the world around us.

Conclusion: How Will You Get Your Hands Dirty?

Generosity that gets its hands dirty is about more than giving. It’s about serving. It’s about stepping into the mess. It’s about loving like Jesus did—with time, attention, and sacrifice.

Whether it’s in your home, your church, or your community, you’re called to serve. Not because it’s easy or convenient, but because Jesus did it first.

Talking Points:
  • Jesus modeled generous servanthood. He said greatness comes through serving others. He came not to be served but to serve and to give his life. Matthew 20:25-28
  • Generosity at home begins with love in action. Serve your spouse and lead your kids by example, both in the home and through shared acts of service. Ephesians 5:25
  • The church needs servants, not spectators. Formal and informal service both matter, whether it’s volunteering on a team or showing hospitality to others. Acts 6:3, Galatians 5:13
  • Hospitality is a powerful form of generosity. We are called to help those in need and to open our homes and hearts to others. Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:10
  • Generosity extends beyond the church. We are called to serve not only fellow believers but anyone in need. Galatians 6:10, Luke 10:36-37
  • Love is proven through action, not just words. Real generosity costs something—time, energy, convenience—but it reflects God’s love. 1 John 3:16-18

Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Think of someone who models this kind of “hands-dirty” generosity. What stands out to you about their example?
  3. What are some practical ways you can serve more intentionally at home? How can you involve your kids or spouse?
  4. Are you currently serving at church? If not, what’s one area you could step into with your time or gifts?
  5. When have you experienced informal generosity from someone at church? How did it affect your view of community?
  6. How can you be more generous with your time and space to help those outside your church circle?
  7. Jesus said love is shown in action. What’s one tangible way you can put that into practice this week?

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Forgiveness from the Heart: Why Jesus Told the $18 Billion Story

In a world where debt is normal—financially, emotionally, and spiritually—Jesus tells a story that cuts straight to the heart. It’s a parable about forgiveness that’s shocking, uncomfortable, and deeply transformative.

The average American household owes over $100,000 in total debt, including more than $6,000 on credit cards. But Jesus wasn’t just talking about money in Matthew 18. He was teaching us about the kind of radical forgiveness that characterizes the kingdom of heaven—a forgiveness that cancels spiritual debt and calls us to do the same for others.

Forgiveness Is a Lifestyle, Not a Limit

When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone—offering what he thought was a generous seven times—Jesus replied, “Seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22). Translation? Forgiveness isn’t about counting. It’s about character. Mercy isn’t optional in God’s kingdom—it’s essential.

The $18 Billion Debt: A Shocking Picture of Grace

To illustrate his point, Jesus told a parable about a king settling accounts with his servants. One servant owed 10,000 talents—a staggering amount equal to roughly $18 billion today. When the servant begged for mercy, the king canceled the debt completely (Matthew 18:23-27).

This is a picture of the kind of extravagant forgiveness God offers us through Christ—a debt we could never repay, wiped away by His compassion.

Hypocrisy in Unforgiveness

But then the parable takes a turn. That same servant finds a fellow servant who owes him about $30,000 and violently demands repayment (Matthew 18:28-30). No grace. No compassion. Just cold-hearted justice.

Jesus uses this jarring contrast to expose our own tendency to accept forgiveness from God while refusing to extend it to others.

Why Forgiveness Sets You Free

This isn’t just about someone else. When we hold onto bitterness, we chain ourselves to the offense. As Hebrews 12:15 warns, bitterness grows and defiles everything it touches. Forgiveness, on the other hand, is an act of freedom—for both parties.

Paul writes in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Forgiveness doesn’t mean the offense was okay. It means you’ve chosen mercy over resentment.

Even When They’re Not Sorry

One of the hardest truths about forgiveness? It doesn’t depend on the other person’s apology. Jesus calls us to forgive from the heart (Matthew 18:35), even if the other person never changes. Forgiveness is about your heart, not their repentance.

Who Do You Need to Forgive?

Is there someone you’ve been holding hostage over a “$30,000 offense” while forgetting your own $18 billion debt? Jesus calls us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven. When we grasp the size of God’s mercy toward us, it becomes much easier to release others from what they owe.

Talking Points:
  • Forgiveness is not a numbers game. Jesus told Peter to forgive “seventy times seven,” pointing to a lifestyle of mercy. Matthew 18:21-22
  • The parable of the king and debtor shows how much God has forgiven us—an $18 billion debt wiped clean. Matthew 18:23-27
  • The first servant’s failure to forgive a smaller debt reveals the hypocrisy of receiving grace without giving it. Matthew 18:28-30
  • God expects us to reflect His compassion by forgiving others, even when they don’t deserve it. Matthew 18:31-35
  • Bitterness poisons relationships and grows when we withhold forgiveness. Hebrews 12:15
  • Forgiveness doesn’t mean approving of the offense—it means choosing freedom over resentment. Romans 12:18
  • You can forgive someone even if they never apologize. Forgiveness is about your heart, not their repentance.

Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Why do you think Jesus made the parable so extreme—with a debt of $18 billion and a choking scene?
  3. Have you ever struggled to forgive someone who hurt you? What happened?
  4. How do you reconcile forgiveness with justice—especially when someone isn’t sorry?
  5. What are some signs that bitterness might be growing in your life?
  6. How has understanding God’s forgiveness toward you helped you become more forgiving toward others?
  7. Who is one person you need to forgive right now? What would it take to release that debt from your heart?

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