the free methodist church of canada
Cultivating Generous People
We are created in the image of a generous God and as His children, He calls us to live counter to the world’s culture of fear, scarcity, false securities, selfish ambitions, and endless consumption. We are called to open our hearts and hands and live generously.
Just like Jesus.
There are 5 Foundational Generosity Tenants (truths, principles, touch-stones) that if you remember and live by them, you can cultivate generosity in your own lives, but in others as well… your family, your church and even in your community. They connect our faith to our finances and everything else we own; they should influence our life choices and help shape our worldview.
‘My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.’
John 15:12
If you want to be a generous person – get to know the first and greatest giver – God. As you deepen your relationship with Him, let your heart overflow with generosity to those He loves and cares about.
‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’ – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The world around us wants us to complain, compare, complete and generally be discontented with what we have – this is how they get us to buy what they are selling! We can counter this by being grateful. When you start to feel yourself complaining, discontented or grumpy – stop. Find something to give thanks for instead – even if you don’t feel like it. In that moment, express thanks to God. It will transform your day – and your heart.
‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’
Ephesians 2:10
From Genesis, we discover that we are created in His Image – and that He placed us in charge over creation to Guard and Tend on His behalf. We are stewards by design, made in God’s image, endowed with gifts, and expected to bear fruit, and to care for all of creation – including its people.
‘If you love me, keep my commands.’
John 14:15
Because we love God, we are to align our priorities with His. We are to seek His Kingdom first. This includes the poor who hold a special place in God’s heart. We are to care for our neighbour; To support His people and His church who Jesus loves and died for; To do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.
As Free Methodists, we want to introduce people to Jesus; change the world one person at a time; and alleviate suffering.
‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.’ – Galatians 6:9-10
What we do today matters and makes a difference – both now and in eternity.
Whether it is our health, finances, relationships, work or opportunities, we are expected to do something good with what God entrusts to us. Our working and giving together is how we reveal God’s plan and heart to the world.
Treat each day as a gift from God and make the most of every opportunity to be generous with our lives.
For many people, giving is unnatural. We are hardwired for self-preservation. That means hoarding our resources to ensure we have enough. Sacrificial giving is not merely unnatural, it is supernatural. It is the result of God’s grace, His power acting in our lives to accomplish what we could never do with our own strength.
Generosity is not something we do – it is a way of living. This requires a ‘cognitive restructuring’ in how we think. These 5 tenants can help you think differently about generosity and inform your daily decisions so that they align with God’s Kingdom. They can help you cultivate generosity way of life so you can display God’s kingdom right here on earth.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Contact Sandy Crozier
Stewardship + Generosity Director
905-848-2600 ext 410
