What We Do When We're Together (part 5): We Give
TO START
What’s one of your favorite things our church does with the money we all give on Sundays?
TO DISCUSS
Is planned, consistent giving something normal for you or does it seem weird? Explain how you feel when you hear the preacher start talking about giving.
Consider the following misconceptions about giving that Justin addressed this past Sunday. Which one are you most tempted to believe? Why that one?
God can’t function without our money.
Generosity is dangerous.
Nobody really gives 10% regularly…
God doesn’t care how much I give (This one’s entirely true or entirely false—it depends on what you mean. :)
When I have more money, giving will be easier.
You’re just preaching about this because you get paid on commission. :)
God makes us give because He’s mean.
You should withdraw your giving every time your church does anything you don’t like.
One of the best perks of not officially becoming a part of a church is not having to give. So just attend. :)
Anything about giving is easy for me to say, since clergy gets a pass…
Giving a significant percentage of your income is easy.
What questions do you have about giving? What advice do you need from your group?
If you’ve committed to regular giving, share one reason why. What blessings have you experienced in the practice of giving?
Share about a time you were blessed by someone else’s generosity.
TO READ
Read the following passages. What do you learn about giving? Create a list of reasons to make a discipline of giving.
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
TO PRAY
Pray for bravery, wisdom, and submission as you seek to obey God in giving.