The grace of giving

We move into section of what has to be one of the most profound teachings on giving. Paul presents the whole subject not as some guilt-burden to carry but a grace to embrace into our lives. Paul directs the thoughts of the Corinthian Church to the Macedonian Church. Over the next few days we will dig into what he says.

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. ² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. ³ For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴ they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. ⁵ And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. ⁶ So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. ⁷ But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. ⁸ I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. ⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

Today people give but they want to direct their giving.
Today people give but they want to control their giving.
Today people give but they want to have some commission for giving.
Today people give but they want a moving story on a classy film to give.
Today people give but it’s more about them than the ones receiving the gift.

The only way we will enter into the grace of giving is if we first see the gift of Jesus.
These are the 2 key chapters in the NT on giving. Each of them point to Jesus.
He became poor for others like you and me.
He gave for the sake of others.
He gave till it hurt.
He gave with no strings attached.
He gave so that we can give, like Him.

This is the grace of giving.