“Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are.

Matthew 6:19-21 GNT

Welcome to the Growing Generosity series, which uses Scripture to help you reflect God’s generous heart and make a difference on earth that will last for eternity! Learn what Scripture has to say about storing up riches in heaven and download a free prayer guide at the end of this blog.

God Is Our Ultimate Example of Generosity

If you had everything, would you give it all away?

Scripture tells us that everyone and everything belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). But because he loved us, God gave his only Son—the ultimate gift (John 3:16). And in a stunning act of generosity, Jesus Christ became poor so that we could become rich beyond measure (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Jesus’s sacrifice for us would have been amazing enough if we lived perfect lives. But he died for us while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). He also modeled a life of obedience to God and service to others that, through the work of the Holy Spirit in our own hearts, we can follow today.

The Bible Guides Us in Storing Up Riches in Heaven

Just like God is our ultimate example of generosity, his Word is our ultimate guide to storing up riches in heaven by reflecting his generous heart.

In the Bible, we find inspiring stories of men and women who faithfully modeled God’s generosity. We also find guidance for how to love one another by showing the same generosity that God showed to us (1 Timothy 6:17-19). We receive God’s promise to provide everything we need through Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:19). And we learn how God repays our obedience in generosity with his blessing—which is far more precious than anything else we can possess (Luke 6:38).

The Bible doesn’t prohibit us from saving money or enjoying God’s material blessings in this life. But the rich wisdom on generosity found in Scripture always encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on our heavenly home. When we’re focused on making an eternal difference, we can use our earthly resources to build God’s kingdom and share his love with those around us—storing up riches in heaven as we go. This is our true treasure!

Your Generosity Makes an Eternal Difference!

With God’s generosity as your inspiration and the Bible as your guide, you can make an eternal difference in the kingdom of God through your own giving.

God’s Word invites us to give in many creative ways. We can give our time, our possessions, our service, our prayers, and our funds. There are even ways to support your favorite ministries after you’ve gone home to be with the Lord!

“It is within our power as God’s trustees to decide who will take our place when we are gone,” said Martha Sparks, a faithful American Bible Society donor who decided to include our ministry in her Will. She adds, “One way to do that is making a Will. We can decide which persons and institutions—perhaps an organization like the American Bible Society—should take up where we leave off.”

Like Martha, you can make a gift in your Will to provide God’s Word to waiting people around the world. This is one of the easiest gifts you can make, and it ensures that your earthly treasures can still make an eternal difference in people’s lives.

Thank you for your heart to bring God’s Word to all people! To encourage you on your journey of growing generosity, here is a free five-day prayer guide focused on gratitude:

Click Here to Download

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To explore more creative ways to give generously, explore our Gift Planning website or contact one of our experienced Gift Planning advisors today.