The following was  prepared for discussion within our small group.

Remember

What are your childhood memories of saving, spending and giving money?

Reflect

How do you feel about being invited to think about and discuss your stewardship of money?

Discuss

Read 1 Chronicles 29:14-16

What is the difference between an owner and a steward?  What are the qualities of a good steward?

Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19

It is said that people with little money are often more generous than those with much.  What has been your experience of this?

Read Philippians 4:10-13

What does contentment look like?  Do you know someone who has little by way of money or possessions, but is contented?

What progress are you making in learning ‘the secret of being content in any and every situation’?

Read Acts 20:35; Matthew 6:19-21

Henri Nouwen said, “You won’t become poorer, you’ll become richer by giving”. What does he mean by this? In what ways have you found it to be true?

What ‘treasures in heaven’ are you storing up for yourself?

What (if anything) troubles you about the idea that the more money you give to God the more he will reward you financially?

Read 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:2-7; 9:7

What principles of giving are suggested here?

What does it mean for our giving to regular, planned and proportionate?

To what extent does our giving depend how wisely we think the money is spent?

How might we, within our church life, enable newcomers, children and young people to be involved in ‘the grace of giving’?

Pray

For quiet reflection:-

How have your habits with money – acquiring, saving, spending, and giving – changed throughout your Christian life? Which area(s) do you feel the Lord is challenging you to consider afresh?

Pray for:-

• a deeper understanding that all we have belongs to God;
• a greater appreciation that in Christ we have receive the most precious gift of all, and that along with him we can trust God to give us everything that we need;
• an increased reliance on the Holy Spirit to melt and mold our hearts in this area of our Christian discipleship.