Grow in Giving
“Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,”
—2 Corinthians 8:1-3
We can talk all day about walking with God and relying on His strength, but if it doesn’t affect the way that we live and the way that we give, it means nothing. There is perhaps no clearer evidence of spiritual maturity than financial generosity. Martin Luther said, “There are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, the mind, and the purse [or wallet].”Writing to the Christians in Corinth , the apostle Paul uses the generosity of the Churches in Macedonia as an extraordinary example of giving, “ For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,” 2 Cor.8:3
Our finances are often the last area that we’re willing to turn over to God. We often view it as “my money”. In fact, we are uncomfortable when someone brings up the topic. It may be that our discomfort is an indication that this is an area the Holy Spirit may be gently making us aware of the need to address our giving to God.
The Bible does address giving quite frequently. Not only does Paul address it in this passage, but for you bible scholars, money is the main subject of nearly half the parables that Jesus told. Also, one in every seven verses in the New Testament deal with this subject. Let’s compare giving with other topics in the bible. The Bible has approximately 500 verses on prayer, less than 500 verses on faith, and 2,000 verses on money. God wants this area to be in balance in our lives.
If you really understand Scripture and you really understand what God has promised, the thing you should most look forward to is the offering. In fact, every Christian should be eager, anxious, thrilled about the opportunity to give in the offering if based only on two statements that Jesus made:
Luke 6:38: “Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over. They will pour into your lap, for by your standard of measure it will be measured to you.”
2 Corinthians 9:6: “He who sows sparingly shall reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully shall reap bountifully.”
Three things to note about the Macedonians and giving. First, they recognized God’s grace in their lives which Paul mentions in 2 Cor. 8:1. “Brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia.” When you recognize how gracious God has been to you realizing you don’t deserve anything, then you won’t mind giving back to Him! Secondly, they gave out of “a great deal of affliction” as verse 2 says or very difficult circumstances. They didn’t allow hard and difficult circumstances to discourage them from giving. Despite the difficult circumstances they gave with “the abundance of joy”!! Third, all this led to their “abounding in liberality.” God’s grace, coupled with joy in difficult circumstances, caused them to give liberally.
Today most churches are supported financially by a relatively small percentage of people who give their tithes and offerings on a weekly basis. Others, at best, give sporadically, while some don’t give at all. However, there is a core group that understands what the Bible teaches about giving, and they faithfully engage. And it’s because of their faithfulness that we have a ministry today.
Some people have discovered the joy of giving. My prayer is that you will experience the joy and the bountiful blessing that comes from growing in your giving.
-Rev. Gregory Lindsey Sr.