Growing up is part of life, but it’s never easy. The growing pains we experience on our journey from infancy to maturity in our physical, mental, emotional, and social lives are mirrored in our spiritual lives. Growing in our generosity and financial management represents a measurement of our spiritual growth because the more our heart belongs to God, the more our money does too. Through the example of early believers, we can be challenged to continue our spiritual growth by growing in our generosity. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Warm-Up 1. Choose one to three words that describe your feelings, when discussing finances or giving in church, small group, in your family, or with others. Why might you feel this way? Explore the Scriptures 2. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, what are some of your first and strongest impressions from this passage? 3. As Paul describes the people in the churches of Macedonia, what characteristics and qualities do you notice about them? Apply Truth to Life 4. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 5. How have you experienced God’s presence or work through giving generously and through receiving gifts from God and other people? 6. How has growing in generosity been a part of your spiritual growth? Is there a step of growth in generosity that God may be calling you toward right now? How will you respond? 7. Consider carefully 2 Corinthians 8:9. How does Jesus’ poverty make you rich? What does this mean and how have you experienced this?