Community-ship – Part 2: Giving

This sermon focuses on the essential role of community in the Christian life, with a particular emphasis on giving as a key tool for building genuine community. True community, or “communityship,” is not something you sign up for with a pen but something you commit to with your heart. The early church in Acts serves as the primary model, where believers shared resources, cared for one another’s needs, and experienced God’s grace flowing through their generosity. The sermon draws a sharp distinction between guilt giving and grace giving. Guilt giving is reactive and transactional, often triggered by someone asking for help. Grace giving, by contrast, is prompted by the Holy Spirit, flows out of genuine relationships, and becomes a source of joy rather than a burden. Systematic giving is also a way to invest in the broader work of the church and kingdom. Where we place our treasure, our hearts will follow. Where do we spend our time and money? Both forms of giving, grace-led and systematic, are vital tools for building a healthy, thriving Christian community.