Consider inviting your group members to share whether it is easier for them to give or to save. What draws them to that particular way of managing their wealth?
There are usually three reasons that make it hard to apply generosity, legacy, and contentment to our personal wealth. (In this case, generosity applies to giving, legacy to saving, and contentment to living on what is left.) The first reason is pervasive fear: we are afraid that giving away wealth may threaten our future security. The second is a scarcity mindset: we cling to our wealth because we believe that resources are limited. The third is perpetual discontent: we consume all of our wealth because we never believe we have enough.
However, God guides our doubtful thinking toward His love, especially during times of disappointment and disobedience. Avoiding generosity, legacy, and contentment weakens our faith and fruitfulness. But God honors and favors our repentant hearts immediately. God does not need our wealth since He owns it, but He discerns our trust as we offer it back. In this way, robbing God is robbing ourselves. Regardless of whether or not tithing is a command for Christians, God blesses and protects those who are generous and content with their wealth.
1. Which of these three reasons most affects your life?
2. Where has God rewarded repentance in your life?
Malachi 3:6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 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. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
Invite the Spirit to speak through God’s Word. Read the passage aloud and then ask if anyone wants to share about a time when God has provided for their needs? What was that experience like for them? How did they honor God for what He did for them?
Pray for a spirit of generosity and for a willingness to partner with God’s work with all of your resources.