Sermon Outline Title: The Giving Season and the Excellent Spirit
Bible Text: Acts 20:35; Luke 6:27-49
Theme: True giving is giving ourselves—our spirit, conduct, and love—not just material things.
Big Idea: God blesses a life that gives kindness, mercy, forgiveness, and love with abundance and peace.
I. Giving Yourself to the World
a. Luke 6:27-49 focuses on giving character, not money.
b. God promises abundance to those who live by higher moral standards.
c. A rich life is measured by relationships and good deeds, not possessions.
II. Blessing Those Who Treat You Poorly
a. Jesus commands blessing instead of retaliation (Luke 6:28).
b. Responding in kindness breaks the cycle of anger and conflict.
c. God handles justice better than we ever could.
III. Loving Your Enemies
a. Loving adversaries requires humility and self-denial (Luke 6:35).
b. Hatred plants bitterness; love uproots it.
c. Loving enemies protects your heart and honors Christ.
IV. Refusing Judgment and Condemnation
a. Judging and condemning poison the soul (Luke 6:37).
b. Discernment is not judgment—it examines fruit, not motives.
c. Mercy given is mercy returned.
V. God’s Promise of Return of Abundance
a. Giving produces a multiplied return (Luke 6:38).
b. We reap what we sow—good or bad.
c. A generous spirit creates a joyful, fulfilled life.
Illustration
A compass only works when it is aligned correctly. If it’s even slightly off, the farther you travel, the more lost you become. When our minds are aligned with God’s Word, He keeps us on the right path. When they’re not, we drift without realizing it.
Conclusion / Invitation
Old Danish proverb, he who gives to me teaches me how to be a giver. We teach others how to give by the way we live and the person we show to the world, a smile earns a smile, a frown earns a frown. Smile at the world, give them the best you that you can give and be blessed. Give the world your best spirit, and God will bless your life beyond measure.