The Grace of Generosity

Wrapping up our Rhythms of Grace series

Over the past few weeks, our church has been exploring a transformative series called Rhythms of Grace. We’ve heard powerful messages on the grace of fasting, the grace of prayer, and the grace of God’s Word. This week, we come to the final rhythm: the Grace of Generosity.

Grace-Filled Living

When we truly understand God’s grace and forgiveness, spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, and Scripture reading no longer feel like religious obligations. They become joyful rhythms of relationship with Jesus. Under the old covenant, the Israelites were trapped in a cycle of striving to please God. But Jesus offers us a better way:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me... Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace." - Matthew 11:28–30 (MSG)

God’s grace is not a burden. It’s a freeing, joyful, life-giving gift that transforms everything—including how we give.

Generosity: Not Obligation, But Overflow

Just as prayer and fasting flow from relationship with God, so should our generosity. It’s not about pressure or religious duty—it’s about living in the overflow of God’s love.

"For I know the plans I have for you... plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11

"For this is how God loved the world: He gave..." - John 3:16

"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." - John 10:10

God’s love and generosity are constant themes throughout Scripture. Whether or not we feel worthy or ready, His generosity toward us is unchanging. And as we receive that grace, we’re empowered to reflect it in every area of our lives.

Worship, Service, and Giving

Scripture highlights three areas where believers are called to be generous:

1. In our worship to God

2. In our service to others

3. In our giving to build God’s Kingdom

Psalm 50 reminds us that God doesn’t need our stuff—He wants our hearts. Our gifts, our time, our praise—they're meaningful not because of their monetary value, but because they’re expressions of love, devotion, and gratitude.

"Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God..." - Psalm 50:14

When King Solomon completed the temple, he was so overwhelmed by God’s presence that he offered thousands of sacrifices—not out of obligation, but deep thankfulness.

Generosity Toward Others

Generosity isn't just about money. It's about time, kindness, hospitality, and genuine care.

"Use your freedom to serve one another in love." - Galatians 5:13

"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." - Romans 12:10

Jesus reminds us that loving God and loving our neighbor are equally important. Generosity can look like mowing a neighbor’s lawn, leaving a birthday box at their door, or simply sitting with someone who’s hurting. It’s not always convenient—but it’s always powerful.

"At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." - Galatians 6:9

Even when there’s no recognition or visible reward, God sees your acts of generosity.

A Story of Obedience and Trust

One member of our church once gave away a car to someone in need. That person never returned—but that’s not the point. The act of giving was obedience to God. Sometimes, generosity is a test of the heart. Do we give expecting something in return—or do we give because God gave first?

Extravagant Love

In Matthew 26, a woman broke open an alabaster jar of perfume—worth a year’s wages—and poured it on Jesus. She was labeled and dismissed by others, but her act of extravagant generosity moved the heart of Jesus.

"Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me?" - Matthew 26:10

Her gift wasn’t about the cost of the perfume—it was about the depth of her love, the thankfulness in her heart, and the transformation she had received from Jesus.

A Church of Grateful Hearts

At Urban Oasis, we dream of being a church full of grateful hearts—where generosity overflows in every direction:

* Upward: in passionate worship

* Outward: in compassionate service

* Inward: in sacrificial giving to build God’s Kingdom

Because when we give with grateful hearts, we reflect the heart of Jesus.

"God loves a cheerful giver... and is able to bless you abundantly..." - 2 Corinthians 9:6–8

Let’s be a people known not just for our worship on Sundays, but for our generosity every day.

Let’s pray that God would grow in us the grace of generosity—a rhythm not of pressure, but of freedom, love, and joy.

Ps Paul Julian