Can You Believe We Get to Do This? GENEROSITY IS OUR STANDARD
At first glance, today’s message may seem like it’s about generosity but at its core, it’s about identity.
Generosity isn’t something we finally “arrive at” when we hit a certain financial level, emotional capacity, or season of life. Generosity is something we carry because of who we are as image-bearers of God.
God is generous.
You are made in His likeness.
Therefore, generosity is already woven into your identity.
When we believe what is true about who we are, it shapes how we live.
The Invisible Walls We Run Into
Even though we want to live generously, most of us feel resistance. We hit invisible walls—internal narratives that keep us from stepping into the life God designed for us.
Let’s name them so we can move past them.
1. The Fear of Not Having Enough
Psychologists call it a scarcity mindset. In church circles, it’s often called a poverty mindset.
It sounds like:
“If I give this, will I have what I need?”
“If I help someone else, who’s going to take care of me?”
Scarcity isn’t about a number. It’s a story we tell ourselves.
The antidote isn't simply, “God, help me be more generous.” It’s: “God, help me trust You more.”
2. The Overload of Life
Sociologists say we’re living in a time famine. We have more tools than ever to be productive, yet less margin than ever before.
80% of Americans say they feel rushed every single day.
So when generosity knocks—whether time, attention, or presence—it’s not desire we lack. It’s space.
Jesus modeled the opposite:
He slowed down when others hurried.
He noticed those who felt unseen.
He stopped for the bleeding woman.
He welcomed the children.
Generosity often looks like margin.
3. The Illusion of Control
In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul writes,
“Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously.”
A farmer can scatter the seed, but cannot control the growth.
In the same way, God calls us to sow—and trust Him with the outcomes.
Generosity means releasing our grip on how everything plays out and believing God will bring life where we plant.
You Were Made for This
Studies show that most Christians believe generosity is extremely important—yet less than half actually practice it consistently. Not because they don’t care, but because these invisible walls get in the way.
But here’s the truth:
You were created in the likeness of a generous God.
Generosity isn't a destination. It’s your design.
As we step into trust, create margin, and release control, we discover that generosity isn’t about “more”—it’s about becoming more like the One who made us.
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If you haven’t yet joined in on the Build the House campaign, this is a great time to prayerfully ask how God might be inviting you to give. Every gift, every step of faith, is helping lay the foundation for what’s to come.