Description

Welcome back to the podcast! We’re launching a four-week series on generosity, and here’s the premise: Christians should be the most generous people in the world. And the evidence backs this up.

--

The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

--

Christians Lead in Generosity

Research from organizations like the Barna Group and Philanthropy Roundtable confirms that Christians donate significantly more to charities—both religious and secular—than non-religious people. Consider these statistics:

• In 2018, secular households in the U.S. donated an average of $1,225 annually, with a median donation of $450.
• Religious households gave more—an average of $2,656 per year, with a median of $1,000.

The World Giving Index evaluates nations based on helping a stranger, donating money, and volunteering. The 2023 top five are:

1. Indonesia – Score: 68; 82% donated money, 61% volunteered time.
2. Ukraine – Score: 62; 78% donated money, 37% volunteered time.
3. Kenya – Score: 60; 53% donated money, 51% volunteered time.
4. USA – Score: 58; 61% donated money, 38% volunteered time.

The U.S. leads in total foreign aid donations, disbursing $71.9 billion in 2023. It also ranks first in individual charitable giving as a percentage of GDP (1.44%).

Clearly, generosity is a defining mark of believers. But what exactly is generosity?

Defining Generosity

Generosity is giving to others through a selfless act without expecting anything in return. Let’s break that down:

1. Giving to Others – This could be financial, relational, or otherwise. In this series, we’ll cover:

• Week 2: Giving
• Week 3: Serving
• Week 4: Forgiving

1. A Selfless Act – Many people are naturally generous—to themselves! But biblical generosity flips the script:

• Some are extravagant toward their own material desires but stingy toward others’ needs.
• True generosity prioritizes others above personal gain.

1. Without Expecting Anything in Return – This is the real test.

• Do you give in your marriage without expecting something back?
• Do you parent with an expectation of repayment?
• Are you friends with people who only take, or do you model generosity regardless?

God’s Generosity in the Bible

God is the ultimate example of generosity. From creation to salvation, He gives freely, abundantly, and graciously.

God’s Generous Provision

Genesis 1:28-30 (NLT): “Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply... I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.’”

From the very beginning, God provided everything needed for life. Even after humanity’s failure, He continued to provide, not because of our worthiness, but because of His nature.

Matthew 5:45b (NLT): “For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good,...