I Corinthians 13:5  “Love is not self-seeking.”

Generosity – giving yourself to others.

INTRODUCTION:  Someone has said that the economy is SO bad:

- I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

- I ordered a burger at McDonald's and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?"


- CEO's are now playing miniature golf. 



- If the bank returns your check marked  "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them. 



- McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer. 


- Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names. 



- A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico. 


- Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore. 


-  Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

In times like these folks may wonder how anyone can afford to be generous?  I hope that by the end of this sermon we’ll understand that, while generosity certain incorporates how we handle our money, it involves far more.

We often think of generosity as the decision to donate money to a worthy cause or buy a meal for someone on the street.  Those are indeed generous acts, but generosity in the context of authentic love is much more than financial giving.  When we love authentically, we have an attitude of generosity in all we do.  We are alert to how others need the money, time, energy, attention, and ability that we have to give.  That might mean staying up late to talk with the teenage son who opens up about his feelings just when we’re ready to go to bed.  It might mean noticing that a friend could use a ride to the doctor even though he won’t ask for it or that the single mom next door could use some extra help with the yard work on weekends. 

The word “gift” is the translation of the Greek word “charis” which means “unmerited favor.”  Every time we give our money, talents, or time, we are acknowledging that these things were gifts to us in the first place.  Our gifts to someone else are not based upon the person’s performance or what the individual has done for us but rather flow from our love for him or her.  When we live with a generous spirit, it’s amazing to watch the opportunities to love that come our way.  Let’s look at three ways we can make love our way of life through generosity.