In these two very brief parables, Jesus describes the Kingdom of heaven in the language of precious possessions—possessions that you joyfully (excitedly) give your all in order to secure. There is an undercurrent of joy in the teaching of Jesus on giving, and indeed throughout the bible. Watch Jesus as He takes as seat in the temple and watches the offerings being given. Luke 21:1-4. Do you not hear the joy as he declares her tiny gift the greatest gift? Listen as the woman anoints Jesus with the expensive perfume and everyone else is incensed. But Jesus praises her for such an extravagant gift (Mark 14:1-9, John 12:1-7). I love how John 12:3 states that the house was filled with the fragrance of the gift. Generosity is like that—it smells of joy. Generosity and Joy go together.

Is your generosity producing the sweet fragrance of Joy in your life?

Give until it feels good by Ben Elrod

Preach Jesus: Jesus on Generosity

The Joy Principle

Matthew 13:44-45

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Life generosity is the root of Joy.

“It is more blessed to give, than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Three lessons from the Parables:

·      Nothing is WORTH MORE

Parable assumptions:

Assumption #1: Even if you don’t see it, God’s Kingdom is right here.

Assumption #2: We are all giving our life to something.

Assumption #3: Only one thing is worth everything.

Assumption #4: When you gain that one thing, it changes you.

·      It is in letting go that you GAIN

Proverbs 11:23-24, “The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment. Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.”

“Generosity is paradoxical. Those who give, receive back in turn. By spending ourselves for others’ well-being, we enhance our own standing. In letting go of some of what we own, we better secure our own lives. By giving ourselves away, we ourselves move toward flourishing. This is not only a philosophical or religious teaching; it is a sociological fact.”  - The Paradox of Generosity

·      Joy is the overflow of GIVING

2 Corinthians 8:2, “They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.”

 2 Corinthians 9:7, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’”