Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8260 generosity  »  8262 generosity, human

Believers should be generous in their dealings with others, following the example of God himself.

Motivations for generosity

God's example

2 Corinthians 8:7-9 See also 1 John 3:16-18

God's dealings with believers

Ephesians 4:32-5:2 See also Matthew 10:7-8; Matthew 18:21-35

Demonstrations of generosity

In material giving

Acts 4:32-37 See also Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Matthew 5:42; Matthew 19:21; 2 Corinthians 8:3; Corinthians 9:5

In support of God's work

Philippians 4:16 See also Exodus 36:5; Numbers 7:13-17; 1 Chronicles 28:14-18; 1 C 9; 2 Chronicles 31:9-10; Mark 12:41-44 pp Luke 21:1-4; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18

In worship

Matthew 26:6-7 See also Exodus 35:22; 1 Kings 3:4; Kings 8:63; 2 Chronicles 1:6; Corinthians 5:6; Ezra 6:9; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 2:17

In acts of mercy

Luke 10:33-35 See also 2 Kings 6:22; 2 Chronicles 28:15

In giving presents

1 Kings 10:13 See also Genesis 24:53; Genesis 32:17-21; Genesis 45:21-23; 2 Kings 5:5; Kings 8:9

Meanness and covetousness the opposites of generosity

Ecclesiastes 5:13 See also 2 Samuel 12:2-4; Isaiah 43:23-24; Micah 2:2; Malachi 3:8-9; Matthew 25:45; Luke 12:15

Generosity rewarded

Malachi 3:10 See also Psalm 37:25-26; Psalm 112:5,9; Proverbs 11:24-25; Proverbs 22:9; Isaiah 58:10; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Galatians 6:9-10

See also

1335  blessing
5446  poverty
5765  attitudes to people
5806  compassion
5856  extravagance
5907  miserliness
6652  forgiveness
6686  mercy
7402  offerings
8292  love
8434  giving
8445  hospitality