Thanks. Giving.
A Thankful Heart Leads to a Giving Heart
Text: Exodus 35:4–9; 36:1–7
Topic: Giving, Generosity, Thankfulness
Big Idea: A thankful heart leads to a giving heart.
Application Point: As we cultivate thankful hearts for God’s goodness, provision, and presence, generosity that impacts the world will flow naturally from our lives.
Topic: Giving, Generosity, Thankfulness
Big Idea: A thankful heart leads to a giving heart.
Application Point: As we cultivate thankful hearts for God’s goodness, provision, and presence, generosity that impacts the world will flow naturally from our lives.
Reflection on Giving and Thankfulness:
This week, we explored the powerful connection between thankfulness and generosity as we studied Exodus 35:4–9 and Exodus 36:1–7. In these verses, the people of Israel were asked to bring offerings to help construct the Tabernacle. What’s remarkable is how they responded—with willing and generous hearts. Their willingness to give was not coerced; it was an overflow of gratitude for God's goodness and provision in their lives.
We see this same principle play out in our lives: when we reflect on God’s goodness and all that He has provided for us, our hearts are moved to respond in generosity. A thankful heart leads to a giving heart, and this giving extends far beyond financial contributions—it can impact our time, energy, and relationships.
Encouraging Generosity:
As part of this season of giving, we had the privilege of giving out Christmas cards and money to everyone present during our service. The money was meant to be a tool to encourage us to pour into our community. I want to challenge each of you to consider how you can use this gift to make a positive impact in your neighborhood or in someone else’s life. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, contributing to a local charity, or supporting someone in need, this is an opportunity to extend the generosity we’ve received.
In Exodus, we see the people of Israel give so freely that Moses had to command them to stop. The people brought so much that there was more than enough for the work to be done. While we are not yet at that point here at Hillside, we are committed to giving you opportunities to give, just as the Israelites did. Our goal is to create a community where generosity flows naturally from grateful hearts, and where our giving makes a difference in the lives of others.
Discussion Questions for Reflection:
As we continue to grow in our relationship with God, let’s challenge ourselves to allow gratitude for His goodness to fuel a spirit of giving that extends beyond ourselves. May we become a community known for our generous hearts and the impact our giving has on the world around us.
This week, we explored the powerful connection between thankfulness and generosity as we studied Exodus 35:4–9 and Exodus 36:1–7. In these verses, the people of Israel were asked to bring offerings to help construct the Tabernacle. What’s remarkable is how they responded—with willing and generous hearts. Their willingness to give was not coerced; it was an overflow of gratitude for God's goodness and provision in their lives.
We see this same principle play out in our lives: when we reflect on God’s goodness and all that He has provided for us, our hearts are moved to respond in generosity. A thankful heart leads to a giving heart, and this giving extends far beyond financial contributions—it can impact our time, energy, and relationships.
Encouraging Generosity:
As part of this season of giving, we had the privilege of giving out Christmas cards and money to everyone present during our service. The money was meant to be a tool to encourage us to pour into our community. I want to challenge each of you to consider how you can use this gift to make a positive impact in your neighborhood or in someone else’s life. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, contributing to a local charity, or supporting someone in need, this is an opportunity to extend the generosity we’ve received.
In Exodus, we see the people of Israel give so freely that Moses had to command them to stop. The people brought so much that there was more than enough for the work to be done. While we are not yet at that point here at Hillside, we are committed to giving you opportunities to give, just as the Israelites did. Our goal is to create a community where generosity flows naturally from grateful hearts, and where our giving makes a difference in the lives of others.
Discussion Questions for Reflection:
- What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
- Reflect on the part of the sermon that spoke most to your heart. Was there a particular verse, idea, or challenge that resonated with you?
- What does it mean to give with a willing and generous heart?
- Think about what it looks like to give freely and without hesitation. How does that contrast with giving out of obligation or pressure?
- How does forced or required giving compare to willing giving in your life?
- Consider your own experiences with giving. Have there been times when you gave out of duty rather than desire? How did that feel?
- Briefly describe a time you gave willingly and generously and the impact it had on your life. (Perhaps it was financially, but it might be with your time, resources, or possessions.)
- Share a personal experience where you gave from a heart of generosity. How did that act of giving affect you and others around you?
- Knowing that a thankful heart leads to a giving heart, how can you incorporate this into your life? Into the lives of others?
- Consider practical steps you can take to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and generosity in your own life. How can you encourage others to do the same?
As we continue to grow in our relationship with God, let’s challenge ourselves to allow gratitude for His goodness to fuel a spirit of giving that extends beyond ourselves. May we become a community known for our generous hearts and the impact our giving has on the world around us.
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