Give Generously

2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Malachi 3:10
Matthew 6:19–21
Luke 6:38

St. John’s United Church of Christ
Pastor Juvenal Cervantes
January 18, 2026

Introduction

Today we continue our study on “Start the Year Right!” There are wonderful habits or disciplines that position us for blessing and they all have to do with obedience to our Lord: Worship with God’s people, Pray always, Give generously and Share the Good News of God’s Love.

Giving is one of my favorite topics because it is a Bible principle that bring us abundant blessings. I have practiced the discipline of giving for over fifty years and I am a witness to the fact that God blesses those who give. You may start with 2% of your income or adhere to the Bible guideline of 10%. I am working on giving to God 30% of my income. Jesus said, “Don’t invest in things that are transient, invest in eternal things, like the Kingdom of God, God’s work.

Giving is not just a church activity—it is a spiritual discipline and a reflection of our relationship with God. The Bible does not present generosity as a burden, but as a blessing. Today, we ask a simple but powerful question: Why do we give generously to God’s work?

1. We Give Because Everything Belongs to God

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — Psalm 24:1

We are not owners; we are stewards. Everything we have—our income, talents, time, and resources—comes from God. When we give, we are not giving God something that belongs to us; we are returning a portion of what already belongs to Him.

Generous giving is an act of acknowledgment:

“God, I trust You as my provider.”

2. We Give Because God Is a Generous Giver

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” — John 3:16

God’s nature is generosity. He gave His best—His Son—for our salvation. When we give generously, we reflect the character of God. We do not give to earn His love; we give because we have received His love.

A heart touched by grace becomes a generous heart.

3. We Give Because Giving Is an Act of Worship

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21

Giving is not just about money—it’s about the heart. Every time we give, we declare that God matters more than material things. Our generosity reveals our priorities and becomes an offering of worship.

True worship is not only sung; it is lived out through obedience and sacrifice.

4. We Give Because God Uses Our Giving to Advance His Work

“Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” — 2 Corinthians 9:11

God’s work—sharing the gospel, helping the poor, discipling believers, caring for the needy—requires resources. God chooses to use His people as channels through which He blesses the world.

When we give, we become partners in ministry. Lives are changed, souls are reached, and God is glorified.

5. We Give Because God Promises Blessing Through Generosity

“Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” — 2 Corinthians 9:6

This is not about prosperity or manipulation—it is about God’s faithfulness. God promises to supply the needs of those who trust Him. He blesses us not just so we can have more, but so we can do more.

“God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

Conclusion

We give generously because:

God owns everything

God has given generously to us

Giving is worship

Our giving advances God’s work

God promises to bless obedience

Generosity is not about the size of the gift, but the condition of the heart. When we give freely, we declare our faith, our gratitude, and our trust in God.

Let us give—not reluctantly or under pressure—but joyfully, faithfully, and generously to God’s work.

My challenge to you today is to give generously. It is not about equal gifts, but equal sacrifice. Will you obey God today and give as he prospers your business or provides for your life? If you do, you’ll reap His blessings, and it is not always financial rewards, His rewards are much better than money. Health, peace of mind, joy, love, and daily provisions, these are a few of His promises.