Giving Back
A Nicole Unice Sermon Summary
All four gospels teach us if we focus on ourselves, we will lose everything. But if we forget ourselves for Christ, we will have a real life (Luke 9:24-25).
Our culture encourages generosity up to a certain point. Because of the scarcity mindset, we are inclined to keep things primarily for ourselves. But Christ teaches us not to hoard for ourselves treasures on earth—including our time, ability, and wealth—for we will certainly lose them all one day (Matthew 6:19-21).
As God’s children and as citizens of heaven, we should set our hearts and keep our focus on things above, with our feet down on earth (Colossians 3:1-3).
Be generous with our things on earth to the needy. Be generous cheerfully. It is the antidote of anxiety. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Sow generously and we will reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Proverbs 11:25).
Our generosity includes spreading our faith, a natural outflow from a grateful heart for what God has given us freely. As ambassadors of Christ on earth, we are His witnesses. Though we naturally evangelize what we love, we should prepare to give the reason for our hope in a gentle and respectful manner (1 Peter 3:15).
Don’t focus on outcomes. We don’t know if God will give us the outcome we want, and our joy shouldn’t depend on outcomes anyway. It is the path we walk, the journey we travel, that counts.
God is rich in mercy and abundant in grace. He accepts and reassures us. He gives us a new citizenship and a new way to live. We give back because He will keep providing for us.
Ask God to help you maintain a healthy regard for your earthly treasures—not just blessings for yourself, but a means to serve others.
Summarized from a sermon by Nicole Unice:
https://menlo.church/series/the-way#/modal/message/5648/mlo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YsFLP5Yu34
Our culture encourages generosity up to a certain point. Because of the scarcity mindset, we are inclined to keep things primarily for ourselves. But Christ teaches us not to hoard for ourselves treasures on earth—including our time, ability, and wealth—for we will certainly lose them all one day (Matthew 6:19-21).
As God’s children and as citizens of heaven, we should set our hearts and keep our focus on things above, with our feet down on earth (Colossians 3:1-3).
Be generous with our things on earth to the needy. Be generous cheerfully. It is the antidote of anxiety. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Sow generously and we will reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Proverbs 11:25).
Our generosity includes spreading our faith, a natural outflow from a grateful heart for what God has given us freely. As ambassadors of Christ on earth, we are His witnesses. Though we naturally evangelize what we love, we should prepare to give the reason for our hope in a gentle and respectful manner (1 Peter 3:15).
Don’t focus on outcomes. We don’t know if God will give us the outcome we want, and our joy shouldn’t depend on outcomes anyway. It is the path we walk, the journey we travel, that counts.
God is rich in mercy and abundant in grace. He accepts and reassures us. He gives us a new citizenship and a new way to live. We give back because He will keep providing for us.
Ask God to help you maintain a healthy regard for your earthly treasures—not just blessings for yourself, but a means to serve others.
Summarized from a sermon by Nicole Unice:
https://menlo.church/series/the-way#/modal/message/5648/mlo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YsFLP5Yu34