Open Hands, Full Hearts

The Generous Life Pt. 1 | November 9, 2025
Pastor Wes Morris

Proverbs 11:24 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

√ WE HOLD ON TRYING TO PROTECT WHAT WE HAVE.

√ WE HAVE A SCARCITY MINDSET.

John 6:8-9 (NLT) Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”


Scarcity isn’t the absence of resources; it’s the absence of trust.

John 6:11 (NLT) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted.

Philippians 4:19 (NLT) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.


√ WE’VE BEEN HURT IN THE PAST.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.


OPEN HANDS, FULL HEARTS


I. PRACTICE DAILY SURRENDER.

John 12:24 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

Romans 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.


II. DEVELOP A THANKFUL HEART.

II Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.


III. FIND JOY IN BEING GENEROUS.

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.


Group Discussion Questions + Practice

ICEBREAKER QUESTIONS (Pick One)

If you could have one superpower to help people (not to make your own life easier), what would it be?
What’s something small someone gave you that meant way more than its actual value?
If you had to describe your week using only one word of gratitude, what would it be?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Key Verse: “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.” Proverbs 11:24 (MSG)


1. WE HOLD ON TRYING TO PROTECT WHAT WE HAVE.

Why do you think our first instinct is often to hold on tightly instead of trusting God?
How does generosity challenge our desire to stay in control?

2. WE HAVE A SCARCITY MINDSET.

John 6:9-11 (NLT), Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

“Scarcity isn’t the absence of resources; it’s the absence of trust.”

When have you felt like you didn’t have enough - time, money, energy, or ability - yet saw God provide?

3. WE’VE BEEN HURT IN THE PAST.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

How can past pain or disappointment cause us to close our hands or hearts?
What does it look like to let God soften your heart again?
How might healing and generosity be connected?

OPEN HANDS, FULL HEARTS

I. PRACTICE DAILY SURRENDER

John 12:24 (NIV), Romans 12:1 (NIV)

What does surrender practically look like in your everyday life?
Why is it so hard to let go, even when we know God can do more with what we give Him?
What’s one area where God might be asking you to take your hands off and trust Him?

II. DEVELOP A THANKFUL HEART

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

How does thankfulness keep us from falling into a scarcity mindset?
What’s one way you can intentionally cultivate gratitude this week?

III. FIND JOY IN BEING GENEROUS

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

When have you experienced joy from giving, serving, or blessing someone else?
What would it look like for you to live more open-handed this week?

Final Questions:

What is one truth from this message that you want to live out this week?
How can we pray for one another to live with open hands and full hearts this week?