Breaking Free from Greed: Choosing Charity Over Selfishness

Greed is sneaky. It doesn’t just show up in big bank accounts or luxury lifestyles — it creeps into everyday choices, conversations, and priorities. But God offers us something far richer than selfish gain: a life marked by charity, generosity, and love.

This week at Southside Methodist Church in Jacksonville, FL, we’re exploring what Scripture says about greed — one of the seven deadly sins — and how we can replace it with the beautiful virtue of charity.

What the Bible Says About Sin — and Why It Matters

Before we zero in on greed, it’s important to understand what the Bible means by sin. It’s not only breaking the Ten Commandments — it’s missing the mark of God’s holy standard. Sin is drifting from obedience, settling for less than what God calls us to, and ultimately rebelling against Him.

God takes sin seriously — so seriously that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our forgiveness. Because of His sacrifice, we’re freed from sin’s penalty — but we’re still called to guard our hearts against it every day.

Greed: More Than Just a “Rich People” Problem

Many of us think greed is a problem only for the wealthy. But greed isn’t about the size of your bank account — it’s about the state of your heart. It’s the unhealthy desire for more — more money, more things, more control — that blinds us to the needs of others and distracts us from God.

The Bible paints a clear picture of what greed looks like. Psalm 10:2–3 says:

“In his arrogance, the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.”

Greedy people are often:

Arrogant – thinking they’re above others

Wicked – letting evil take root

Predatory – taking advantage of the vulnerable

Scheming – using dishonest means

Boastful – proud of what they’ve gained

And yet, no matter how much they accumulate, it’s never enough. Ecclesiastes reminds us:

“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”

Why Greed Never Satisfies — and What to Choose Instead

Greed promises happiness but delivers emptiness. It lures us into chasing things that can’t satisfy our souls. But God offers us something infinitely better: charity — the joy of giving generously.

For every deadly sin, there’s a virtue that overcomes it. Charity isn’t just about writing checks. It’s about agape love, caritas (freely giving grace), benevolence, compassion, and mercy. It’s about sharing what God has given us — material or spiritual — with those who need it most.

Tabitha’s Example: A Life of Overflowing Charity

Acts 9:36 introduces us to Tabitha (Dorcas):

“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha. She was always doing good and helping the poor.”

Tabitha’s life shows us what charity looks like in action:

She followed Jesus closely

She shared what she had with those in need

She stepped in where others couldn’t

She lived with mercy and kindness

And people loved her for it.

A Story of Generosity That Multiplied

One Sunday school teacher, Mr. Tom Wood, lived this out beautifully. He gave each student two $100 bills: one to spend on themselves — dinner, flowers, fun — and one to give to someone in need in the name of Jesus.

That second $100 did more than help someone — it taught those students the joy of generosity and created a ripple effect of kindness.

That’s the power of charity: when we give freely, others learn to do the same.

Are You Hoarding Your Spiritual Wealth?

We’ve all been made spiritually rich through Christ. But if we keep those blessings to ourselves, we’re just as greedy as someone hoarding money.

Try this week:

Ask someone, “How can I pray for you?”

Invite a friend to church

Share your faith story

Offer encouragement to someone who’s hurting

Even simple acts can overflow with eternal impact.

Life Application: One Act of Charity This Week

Take a moment to examine your heart. Are you clinging tightly to your time, your resources, or even the grace God has shown you?

This week, choose one intentional act of charity. It could be financial giving, time spent serving, or simply encouraging someone who needs it. Like Mr. Wood, your generosity could spark a chain reaction that changes lives.

Reflection Questions

Where am I being greedy — with money, time, or even grace?

How can I practice charity with the blessings God’s given me?

Who in my life needs encouragement, prayer, or help this week?

The choice between greed and charity is about more than money — it’s about the posture of our hearts. Choose charity, and watch how God uses your generosity to bless you and the world around you.

Join Us This Sunday at Southside Methodist Church
If this message spoke to your heart, we’d love to walk this journey of faith with you. Visit us this Sunday in Jacksonville, FL, as we learn, love, and live Jesus together.