Giving

Principles of Christian Giving

An example of correct Christian giving is given by the Apostle Paul in his description of the giving done by the Macedonian believers, 2 Cor. 8:1-6. The Macedonians were born-again, believers, and had the right to give. They had been robbed blind by the Romans in order to pay for putting down a revolt, but they still gave. Paul wanted the Corinthians (and us) to know of the Grace of God which was "bestowed" upon the churches of Macedonia. The reward from God is from Grace and is invaluable, 2 Cor. 9:6; Matt. 6:20; Prov. 22:9.

Principles of Christian Giving From 2 Corinthians 8 and 9

Read these two chapters and consider the following observations.

8:1,2 All true giving is defined as mental attitude, not as an overt act.
8:3 Christian giving must be free from pressure and coercion. Free will (volition) must operate.
8:4 The believers considered it a privilege to give. They begged to give. Giving under pressure contradicts Grace.
8:5 They were in fellowship before they gave. Giving starts with self and not with money.
8:7 Giving is part of Grace.
8:8 Christian giving is love giving, not Law giving.
8:9 As Jesus Christ voluntarily gave Himself, we in giving must have the same attitude of volition, willingness.
8:10 Past failures should not stop one from giving.
8:11 Giving is in accordance with what you have (not in accordance with what you hope to get in the future).
8:12 Even if a believer has nothing to give, it is fully accepted by God, provided there is a willing mind to give.
8:13-15 When one member of the body of Christ is unable to give, others make up for their lack so that there is an equality in sustaining the local church and arms outside the church.
8:16,17 Personal commendation of Titus. He was honest and headed the delegation to collect the offering for the Jerusalem church.
8:19,20 Money given to the Lord's work should be handled orderly and honestly. This is detail work for deacons or other administrators.
9:1,2 Both the giving and administration of money should glorify the Lord.
9:3,4 A collection or offering should not embarrass anyone.
9:5 Blessing in the Christian life results from giving to the Lord and not spending money for self-pleasure. "Bounty" used twice is "blessing".
9:6 The more you sow, the more you harvest. God blesses the believer whose mental attitude is right.
9:7 Giving is done in a mental attitude of joy.
9:8,9 God's divine essence guarantees the principles written here.
9:10 God keeps on supplying so that the believer can keep on giving.
9:11 "Bountifulness" means blessing. The more faith you exercise, the more enrichment you receive; all is non-meritorious activity.
9:11-13 Biblical giving results in thanksgiving expressed and the glorification of Grace.
9:14 Giving also stimulates prayer, love, and an admiration of Grace in the believer who gives graciously.
9:15 The example of Christ. "I can never come close to what Christ gave me in salvation. He is the unspeakable gift. " True Bible giving is the result of occupation with Christ and gratitude to Him on the basis of who and what He is. 

“When you leave this world, will you be known as one who accumulated treasures on earth that you couldn't keep? Or will you be recognized as one who invested treasures in heaven that you couldn't lose? “ … Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle