This morning as part of our Bible reading, we read 2 Corinthians 8-9 — the account of the sacrificial and gracious giving of the Philippians and the corresponding exhortations by Paul to the Corinthians to cultivate similar habits of grace giving.
One writer has counted at least 16 principles of giving in these chapters. Let me consolidate that list to a slightly more manageable number —
- Give sacrificially and voluntarily (8:1-3)
- Give because it is a privilege to giving (8:4)
- Before you give a gift, give yourself as a servant (8:5)
- Give as an outgrowth of maturity in other areas of your spiritual life (8:7)
- Give as a demonstration of your love (8:8)
- Give in proportion to your ability (8:12)
- Give so that you may be able to give more (9:6)
- Give because it brings glory to God (9:12-13)
- Give because it is an adequate response to Christ’s gift (8:9; 9:15)
Though we may be experiencing more economic difficulties as a nation, church, and individuals, still we are more profoundly prosperous than virtually any other nation at any other time in the history of the world, and thus still more able to give generously than virtually another other people at any other time. And still more, even though we may be experiencing significant financial struggles personally, one of the great privileges of the Christian life is to share out of that which we have been given by God, who owns all that we have. This is no duty, it is a great honor and privilege.
One final thought: “How and why we give is of far greater significance to God than what we give. Attitude and motive are always more important than amount. Furthermore, once a person cultivates a taste for grace in giving, the amount becomes virtually immaterial. . . . Giving at that point becomes wonderfully addictive.” [Swindoll, Grace Awakening.]
Words of Grace 