HighGear Happenings in December

GOD VIEW: the connection between GENEROSITY and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story

James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” So, we know that God is the Giver of all good things. But we also know that God’s generosity has a purpose.

God gives generously to us so that we may be generous toward others. The Bible says, “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11, NIV In other words, God gives generously to us so we will have time, emotional energy, patience, and a wealth of resources to give to others. Then, when we are generous with all we have been given, others will see us and be thankful to God.

So many times we think that our ability to be generous is connected to our riches. We are afraid to give because we don’t know if we have enough, and we think generosity is for those who have more than we do to give. But the cool thing about generosity is that we’re not generous because we are rich, we are rich because we are generous. When we choose to give generously to others, we are blessed with everything that really matters in life.

Virtue: Generosity—making someone’s day by giving something away.

Memory Verse: “Be rich in good deeds … be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18, NIV

December 4

Bible Story: Extreme Makeover: Barn Edition (the parable of the rich man) • Luke 12:13-21

      Bottom Line: People are always more important than stuff.

December 11

Bible Story: The Great Gift Exchange (Jesus is born) • John 3:16-17; Luke 2:1-18

Bottom Line: God gave the greatest gift when He gave us Jesus.

December 18

Bible Story: Three Men and a Baby (wise men visit Jesus) • Matthew 2:1-12

Bottom Line: When you give, it shows others how valuable they are.