First Word for June 2026

The Grace of Generosity

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way…” (2 Corinthians 9:11)

When many people hear the word generosity, they immediately think of money. While generosity certainly includes our finances, the Bible presents it as something much bigger. Generosity is a reflection of God's own character. It is the overflow of a heart that has been captured by grace.

At the center of the Christian faith stands the most generous act in human history. God did not merely give us a second chance or offer us some helpful advice. He gave us His Son. 

Paul writes, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Christian generosity does not begin with what we give. It begins with what we have received.

Grace Produces Generosity

One of the striking themes throughout the New Testament is that generosity is not driven primarily by obligation but by grace.

When Paul encourages the Corinthians to give, he points them to the churches in Macedonia. These believers were experiencing severe trials and deep poverty. Yet they overflowed in rich generosity. Why? Because they first understood the grace that had been shown to them.

The gospel transforms our relationship with possessions. Before Christ, we tend to see ourselves as owners. After Christ, we begin to understand that we are stewards. Everything we have belongs to God and has been entrusted to us for His purposes.

This changes the question from, "How much do I have to give?" to "Lord, how would You have me use what You have given me?” 

Generosity becomes an act of worship rather than a religious duty.

As Terry Virgo said, “Grace doesn't make us passive; it makes us grateful, and gratitude is a powerful motivation for generosity.”

We Serve a Generous Father

Throughout Scripture we meet a God who delights in giving.

He gives life.

He gives salvation. 

He gives spiritual gifts. 

He gives daily bread. 

He gives wisdom. 

He gives His Spirit.

James reminds us that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:17).

Our generosity is simply a reflection of His generosity.

As children often resemble their parents, God's people should increasingly reflect the generosity of their heavenly Father. The more we understand His kindness toward us, the more freely we can hold what He has placed in our hands.

Generosity Builds the Church and Advances the Mission

One of the values that has marked Newfrontiers churches around the world is a commitment to apostolic mission and church planting. The gospel advances when ordinary believers live with open hands.

The early church demonstrated this beautifully. Believers shared their resources, cared for those in need, supported gospel workers, and enabled the spread of the gospel throughout the known world.

Generosity has always been fuel for mission.

Every church planted, every missionary sent, every act of compassion shown, and every person reached with the gospel is made possible because God's people choose to invest in eternal things. 

The kingdom of God advances through prayer, proclamation, and sacrificial generosity.

Generosity Is an Expression of Faith

Giving often requires faith.

When we give generously, we are declaring that our security is not found in our bank account but in God's faithfulness.

This does not mean Christians give recklessly or without wisdom. Scripture commends good stewardship and responsible planning. Yet it also calls us to resist the fear that constantly whispers, “What if there is not enough?”

Jesus repeatedly taught His disciples not to worry because their Father knows what they need.

Generosity becomes a practical declaration of trust. We believe God is able to provide for us. We believe His kingdom matters more than accumulating earthly treasures. We believe His promises are true.

As someone once said, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”

The Joy of Open-Handed Living

One of the great paradoxes of the Christian life is that generosity brings joy.

The world tells us happiness comes through acquiring more. Jesus teaches that there is greater blessing in giving than in receiving.

Many believers can testify that some of their greatest moments of joy came not from what they purchased for themselves, but from what they were able to give away for the glory of God and the good of others. 

Generosity frees us from the tyranny of materialism. It loosens the grip of selfishness. It trains our hearts to treasure Christ above everything else.

In a culture obsessed with consumption, generosity becomes a powerful witness that Jesus is enough.

A Final Encouragement

Perhaps you are in a season of abundance. Perhaps you are in a season where resources feel limited. The call to generosity is not ultimately about the size of the gift but about the posture of the heart. 

God is not looking for reluctant donors. He delights in cheerful givers whose confidence rests in His grace.

The good news is that the God who calls us to generosity is the same God who supplies every need. We never out-give Him.

So let us be a people marked by open hearts, open homes, open hands, and open lives. May our generosity reflect the generosity of our Savior, strengthen His church, serve those in need, and help make Christ known among the nations.

For every act of true Christian generosity ultimately tells the story of a generous God.

The next two Sundays—June 7 and June 14—will be gift days for our Advance Initiative: Step 2. Would you join us in praying and asking God what He would have you give above and beyond your normal tithe?

Let’s Go!

— John Privett