Generosity

2 Corinthians 8

​As believers, we are called to possess gracious generosity. We are called to give of ourselves—our bodies, our time, our talents, our gifts, and our finances—honoring God, our Creator in worship, the Giver and Owner of all things.

Yes, as unpopular as it sometimes is to talk about in the context of church, we are called to give; to support the work and the spread of the gospel to all those lost and in need, even to the utter most parts of the earth and use all we are and have to do so.

We are called to give graciously, generously, regularly, systematically, and sacrificially. Tithing helps support the work of local body of believers and offerings over and above serves as blessing other as God has blessed.

“For the Macedonian Christians, giving was not a chore but a challenge, not a burden but a blessing. Giving was not something to be avoided but a privilege to be desired.” George Sweeting

2 Corinthians 8–9 both focus on an offering Paul was taking for the needy believers in Judea. The Corinthian church had agreed to share in the collection, but had been remiss in doing so. Paul reminded them of their promise and at the same time explained some principles of Christian giving.

According to Warren Wiersbe, Christian giving and generosity begins with surrender to the Lord, is motivated by grace, requires faith and faithfulness, is a testimony to others, and is accompanied with great joy.” God calls us to be hilarious givers!

He reiterates Paul’s first point that “You cannot give your substance until you first give yourself.”

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1–2

When we surrender and belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, we start looking for opportunities to resemble, respond, and give; instead of excuses not to give.

What we know is that Jesus was rich in heaven but became poor on earth (even to death on a cross!) that we might share His eternal riches. It was all by love and grace because giving is about love and grace. The Law commands, but grace consents and does so joyfully, even hilariously.

However, generous and hilarious giving requires faith. The example of the manna in Exodus 16 shows us that God always provides what we need, when we need it; not to be confused with what we want, when we want it.

Paul also used the image of sowing to encourage generous giving. What we can know is that God’s promises can be trusted.

We see in verses 16-24 that gracious giving also requires faithfulness. We see this as Paul sends Titus and two trusted others to receive their offering; three highly respected and trustworthy leaders and preachers. Paul is basically teaching that those who handle the Lord’s money should be dedicated and faithful, making certain that everything is honest and honorable.

Reading on into chapter 9, Paul reminds the Corinthians that giving reflects their testimony to others. A year before, the zeal of the Corinthians had stirred others to give; now Paul had to stir up the Corinthians. He sent the three co-laborers to help hold them accountable o their promise to give.

“But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.” 2 Corinthians 9:3–5 (ESV)

Generous Givers do not give to be praised by people, but give overflowing to be good examples before others for God’s Glory.

The underlying message is this: if we make promises, we should keep them and we must give gladly. If we want spiritual enrichment from our giving, we must practice enjoyment and be glad for opportunities to give.

Today, look at God’s promises to faithful givers and test Him in that faithfulness! How can you lose?
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Will you become a generous giver by practicing generosity? Will you give graciously and generously, regularly, systematically, and sacrificially?

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