Unburdened: Giving is Good
October 20, 2025
In this third installment of our annual stewardship series, Unburdened, we center on the profound truth that the act of giving brings greater blessing and joy than receiving. Rev. Ken Curtis shares that while receiving gifts is good, the deepest emotional and spiritual satisfaction comes from being on the giving side, noting that no emotional stories come from consuming or buying, but many come from giving.
Discussion Questions
- Pastor Ken stated he doesn't have an emotional or moving story about buying or consuming, but he does about giving. Can you recall a time when the act of giving (of time, talent, or treasure) was more emotionally rewarding or felt more blessed than receiving?
- The sermon addresses the "scarcity mindset" (the fear of not having enough) as a barrier to generosity. What are some practical ways you can counteract this mindset in your daily life?
- The sermon emphasizes that giving is not limited to money, but also time and talent. In which of these three areas do you feel most "unburdened" and able to give freely, and which is the most challenging?
- Pastor Ken quoted Proverbs: "The world of the generous gets larger and larger, and the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller". What does "the world getting larger" mean for you personally (beyond financial gain)?
- Studies were cited showing that generosity has significant health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing depression. Does viewing giving as beneficial to your own health and happiness change your perspective on making it a habit?
- The sermon calls the congregation to "trust God with our first and our best". How does planning to be generous differ from giving spontaneously, and what are the benefits of a planned approach?