When a Church/Christian gives then the impact becomes greater than just meeting the need.
As we know Paul is encouraging the Corinthian Church to come good on their commitment to give to the collection for the poor in Jerusalem. In these final verses of chapter 9 we see how giving brings so much more interplay than just meeting the need. We will see 5 benefits of giving.
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
It not only meets the need – it creates a thanksgiving offering to God.
It not only meets the need – it inspires others to worship God.
It not only meets the need – it demonstrates an authenticity of their faith as they “proved yourselves”.
It not only meets the need – it builds relationships as “their hearts go out to you” even across the distance and cultural boundaries that may exist.
It not only meets the need – we become conduits of the same lavish, outlandish and beyond measure, grace that we have received.
Missions Paul 