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Preaching: Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Fearing

Texts: Luke 16:19-31 & 1 Timothy 6:6-19

What if generosity isn't just something God does, but who God is? Drawing from the parable of Lazarus and the rich man alongside Paul's wisdom in 1 Timothy, we discover a profound theological truth: generosity is God, and God is generosity.

This revelation transforms how we understand our spiritual journey. Like the rich man whose clenched fists rendered him blind to Lazarus at his gate, we too can become so focused on accumulating wealth and security that we miss the divine invitation to open our hands and hearts to others. Through the structure of the hymn "God Whose Giving Knows No Ending," we explore three dimensions of generosity: God's boundless giving, our calling to serve, and our responsibility to share.

God's generosity surrounds us in unexpected places—from intricate spider webs discovered on a camping trip to the joy of a child pretending to be an upside-down jellyfish. These moments invite us to "take hold of the life that really is life" by cultivating righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness within community. As baptism reminds us, we receive grace undeserved yet are called to share it abundantly.

The choice stands before us daily: clenched fists or open hands. We cannot have both. As channels of divine generosity, every act of kindness creates ripples of hope and healing that extend far beyond our immediate circle. This week, challenge yourself to find one concrete way each day to marvel at God's generosity, then respond with your own. The transformation might surprise you.

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