Making Change: Part 3 - "Giving is Good" with Craig Groeschel - Life.Church

Giving Is Good

Scripture References

Primary text

• Acts 20:35
• 2 Corinthians 9:11
• Proverbs 11:24-25

Other references

• Leviticus 27:30
• Matthew 3:1
• Matthew 23:23
• Isaiah 32:8
• Philemon 1:6

Overview

“Giving is good—because it is always more blessed to give than to receive.”
In the third message of the “Making Change” series, Pastor Craig Groeschel anchors the church in four life-shaping truths: less is more, stress is bad, giving is good, and tomorrow matters. Today he focuses on the third theme, showing how generosity moves us from scarcity into abundance, blesses others, and invites God’s blessing on us. Through Scripture, personal stories, and practical steps, he calls every believer to trust God with the tithe, to plan generosity, and to start giving now.

Main Points

1. Giving is always a blessing—to others and to you

• Acts 20:35: Jesus’ own words set the standard: it is more blessed to give.
• Pastor Craig notes we rarely have emotional “getting” stories, but we have many emotional “giving” stories that mark our lives with joy and purpose.

• Story: A mechanic repaired Amy’s broken-down car for free because Craig’s ministry had led the man’s daughter to Christ. Years later Craig secretly paid for a young mom’s van repair; hearing her thank God for His provision was even more fulfilling than receiving help years earlier.

2. Three common barriers to generosity

• “I don’t have enough.”
• “I’ve seen giving abused.”
• A scarcity mindset: “If you gain, I lose.”
  • Scripture teaches an abundance mindset—we are blessed to be a blessing.

3. Step 1: Trust God with the tithe

• Tithe (ma‛aser) = one-tenth; it belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30).
• Malachi’s challenge: “Bring the whole tithe … test Me in this.” God invites the only permissible test of His faithfulness.
• Craig’s first tithe as a 19-year-old was followed the same day by an unexpected gift of a Honda Accord from his grandmother—illustrating God’s faithfulness, not a “give-to-get” formula.

“I will worship God with my first and my best and trust Him to bless the rest.”

4. Step 2: Plan your generosity

• Isaiah 32:8—generous people plan generous things and stand firm in them.
• We often plan to get (shopping, coupons); followers of Jesus plan to give.

• Illustration: A couple began setting aside $20 each month above their tithe. Years later the monthly amount has grown to $200, because intentional generosity expanded their capacity.

• LifeChurch’s commitment: lead the way with irrational generosity—resources are given away worldwide through the Open Network and YouVersion.

5. Step 3: Start being generous now

• Philemon 1:6—put generosity into action as you understand every good thing you have in Christ.
• Don’t wait until the debt is gone or income is higher; give during the journey and watch God provide.

• Story: While the church was still living “paycheck to paycheck,” they chose to give all resources away for free; from that week forward God’s provision accelerated, leading to complete debt-freedom and global impact.

6. Series frame—four truths to remember

• Less is more.
• Stress is bad.
• Giving is good.
• Tomorrow matters.
  • Repeated aloud with the congregation to drive them into memory.

Key Truths

• Generosity blesses the receiver and transforms the giver.
• God invites us to test His faithfulness through the tithe.
• An abundant God supplies abundant resources so His people can abound in every good work.
• Generous people are intentional; they plan and stand firm despite economic swings.
• The best time to start living generously is now, not “someday.”

Response

• Rearrange your budget so the first 10 % returns to God in worship.
• Create a specific generosity line in your monthly plan and track the stories.
• Replace scarcity thoughts with declarations of God’s abundant provision.
• Look for a need you can meet anonymously this week.
• Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness to inspire others toward generosity.

Closing

Giving is good because it mirrors the heart of God, who gave His Son for us. As the church learns to tithe, plans generosity, and begins giving immediately, needs are met, faith grows, and thanksgiving overflows to God.

“We will lead the way with irrational generosity, because we truly believe it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Prayer

Father, plant deep within us the truth that giving is good. Help us trust You with the tithe, plan our generosity, and act on it today. Make us a people whose giving results in continual thanksgiving to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Resources

• Financial Peace University (offered at all Life.Church locations and online)