The Generosity of Abundance
Grounding Our Generosity in God’s Generosity
Reflection By Scott Stoner
And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
- 2 Corinthians 9:8
One of the greatest barriers to generosity is operating from a scarcity mindset—the belief that there is not enough to go around. This can create anxiety, hoarding, and competition rather than the joy and freedom that accompany true generosity.
God’s generosity, however, flows from abundance. The natural world demonstrates this everywhere. Consider how a single apple tree produces hundreds of apples, each containing multiple seeds capable of growing into new trees. Notice how the ocean contains countless drops of water, each one essential yet part of an inexhaustible whole.
When we understand that God’s resources are limitless, we can approach generosity with confidence rather than fear. We don’t have to worry about running out of love, forgiveness, or compassion because these gifts are continually renewed by God.
An abundance mindset recognizes that generosity actually creates more abundance. When we give freely, we open ourselves to receive more. When we share our resources, we often discover that our capacity to give has increased.
This doesn’t mean we should be unwise or ignore practical realities. Rather, we approach giving with trust in God’s bounty, hearts open to how God multiplies our offerings. Abundance thinking is counter-cultural in a world that constantly tells us we need more to be happy.
Making it Personal: Where do you tend to operate from scarcity rather than abundance? How might deeper trust in God’s generous provision change your giving? Challenge one scarcity thought today by acting from abundance—share something you’ve been holding onto, offer encouragement generously, or give someone the benefit of the doubt.