Brad Formsma is the author ofI Like Giving and founder of the ministry by the same name.
WHY IS LIVING GENEROUSLY IMPORTANT IN TODAY'S CULTURE?
- Living generously is crucial because we are created in God's image, and He demonstrates incredible generosity.
- God's generosity is evident in His act of creation, sending Jesus, and gifting us with the Holy Spirit.
- Recognizing that we are made in God's image should inspire us to live generously.
HOW CAN PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS TEACH THE NEXT GENERATION ABOUT GENEROSITY?
- Many parents and grandparents worry about the faith and self-centeredness of the next generation.
- While some focus on passing down financial inheritance, it's equally important to ensure they understand that everything belongs to God.
- Ilikegiving.com offers various resources designed to help families engage in conversations about their own stories and what it means to live generously.
HOW HAVE YOU USED STORYTELLING TO COMMUNICATE THE IMPORTANCE OF GENEROSITY?
- Storytelling is a powerful tool, and Jesus often used stories to convey essential messages.
- Ilikegiving.com provides age-appropriate content, including stories connected to God's Word, to engage people.
- Stories are effective in moving individuals from mere awareness to taking action, ultimately fostering generosity.
LET'S DISCUSS HOW TO LIVE GENEROUSLY, STARTING WITH ATTENTION, WORDS, AND THOUGHTS.
- Generosity encompasses more than just financial giving; it extends to how we give our attention, express kindness through words, and cultivate generous thoughts.
- A heartwarming example is shared of a grandfather who showed generosity by giving attention, offering kind words, and providing encouragement.
- Emphasizes the importance of being generous with our thoughts, both about others and ourselves, considering our creation in God's image.
HOW CAN WE ENCOURAGE THE GENEROSITY OF WORDS, ESPECIALLY IN TODAY'S NEGATIVE ONLINE CULTURE?
- The prevalence of toxicity on social media underscores the significance of modeling kindness and generosity with words.
- Generous words can have a profound impact, even helping individuals facing challenging circumstances.
- The Generous Students program engages children and their families, promoting a culture of generous living and positive communication.
WHAT ABOUT THE GENEROSITY OF BELONGINGS AND TEACHING CHILDREN TO HOLD THINGS LOOSELY?
- It begins with understanding that everything ultimately belongs to God.
- Encourages the practice of asking, "What am I holding onto that I wouldn't be willing to share?" to cultivate a generous attitude.
- Simple acts of sharing, like a pink pencil, can serve as tangible examples to children of how to hold belongings loosely.
LASTLY, HOW CAN PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS PRACTICE THE GENEROSITY OF TIME?
- Time is a valuable gift, and investing it in relationships, particularly with the younger generation, is crucial.
- It's not enough to tell them how to live generously; we must also demonstrate it through our actions.
- Encourages prayer, engagement, and modeling of generosity as a means of leaving a spiritual inheritance.
For additional resources, please visit Ilikegiving.com or generousfamily.com.
On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions:
- I inherited my parents' home, and I want to buy a new one; should I use my savings to pay 20% down and annuity for the mortgage or finance it?
- I'm thinking of transferring $400,000 in investments; one option is a mutual fund with a 4.5-5% upfront load fee, the other charges a 1% annual fee; which is better considering my age?
- My mom has an insurance policy on me with a decreasing value; is it ethical to discontinue it since she's the policyholder, even though it's not serving any financial purpose?
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
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