This is part 1 of "Thanks & Giving," our series at Fusion Christian Church where we reflect on how to be both grateful and generous in our lives. In the inaugural sermon for the series, Pastor Zac discusses the relationship between gratitude and generosity.

Thanks leads us to generosity because everything we have comes from God.

When we reflect on God's nature as the source of all things, we should become grateful as a result. We ought to know that everything we have comes from God, and as such it does not truly belong to us. This should naturally lead to generosity. If what we have is not truly ours, giving it away should be easy!

Thanks leads us to generosity because Jesus gave up everything so we could gain everything.

When Jesus came down to earth he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant. By becoming man, he gave up the privileges of divinity and took on the infirmities of being human. Not only this, but he died the death of a sinner even though he was perfect. He did all of this so that we could have access to the grace of God. He took the punishment we deserve so that we could have the rewards he deserved. By foregoing the advantages of being the Son of God, he made a way for us all to be adopted as children of God.

Thanks leads us to generosity because love always gives.

Love is generous by its very nature. To love is to will the good of the other, and one of the main ways to will another's good is to give of yourself. If you love someone you give them your time, your talent, your treasure, and your talk. You make an effort to give them the best of what you have in order to ensure their good.

Thanks leads to generosity because its not an option: its obedience.

Jesus said that those who love him keep his commands. If we love him, we will choose obedience, and choosing obedience means being generous. To be obedient to God means we must cultivate an attitude of generosity in our lives. How can you choose to be generous this week?