John 3:16 (ESV) – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God is a Giver

James 1:16-17 (ESV) – Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Lamentations 3:23 (NIV) – His mercies are new every morning.

Romans 1:19-22 (ESV) – For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools,

Proverbs 20:5 (ESV) – The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Psalm 135:18 (ESV) – Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them.

God is a Joyful Giver

How do you read John 3:16?

For God so loved the world that He gave….

Give Like the First Christmas

Acts 20:35 (ESV) – It is more blessed to give than to receive.

James 4:6 (ESV) – But he gives more grace.

Cheerful Givers Give Joyfully Out of Love

1 Chronicles 16:29 (ESV) – Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;

2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) – since you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you –see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Cheerful Givers Give Joyfully Out of Love for Eternity

1 John 2:15 & 17 (ESV) – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Matthew 19:23 (NIV) – It is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.

Matthew 19:21-22 (NIV) – Go sell everything you have and give to the poor! And you will have treasure in heaven… then come follow Me! When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Revelation 3:17 (ESV) – For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

Cheerful Givers Give Joyfully Out of Love for People

1 John 3:17-18 (ESV) – But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV) – Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Proverbs 22:9 (ESV) – Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

How Much is “Generous”?

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV) – Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 8:7 (ESV) – But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.