Generosity Is a Sacrifice

It’s easy to think sacrificial giving is about what we’re willing to do for God, proving how much and how deeply we’re willing to give, even to the point that it hurts. But the truth is, sacrificial giving has never been first and foremost about what we do for God. It’s about what God wants to do in us. Through giving, God grows our trust, not only in His provision but also in His promises. The story of the widow of Zarephath beautifully illustrates this truth. Join us as we unpack God’s unusual and extraordinary provision through a widow's sacrificial offering.

1 Kings 17:1–16

Elijah Predicts a Drought

17 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” 2 And the word of the Lord came to him: 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

The Widow of Zarephath

8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days.16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.

For Adult Homes and Groups

Reread 1 Kings 17:1–16, paying particular attention to the widow of Zarephath, God’s promise of provision, and how she responded. As you read, consider what this story teaches us about generosity, sacrifice, and trusting God.

1. What stands out to you about the widow of Zarephath and her encounter with Elijah? What do you notice about her circumstances, God’s promise, and her response?

2. How does this story challenge the way you think about generosity and sacrifice?

3. How can sacrificial giving grow our trust in God’s provision and His promises? Where in your life is it most difficult to trust God to provide?

4. What might God want to do in you through generosity?

For Families with Kids

1. Read 1 Kings 17:1-16 together. What did the widow have left in her kitchen when Elijah met her? How would you feel if you had to give away the very last bite of your favorite food?

2. What did God do to make sure she and her family didn’t starve?

3. Does your family’s giving - whether it’s to our church, helping a neighbor, or volunteering - feel like a comfortable afterthought, or does it reflect a true sacrifice?

4. What is one thing we hold onto tightly because we are afraid we won’t have enough of it (e.g., free time, money, video game time, or certain possessions)? How can we practice trusting God by opening our hands to share it this week? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give you courage to let go and trust in His provision.