“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (vv.7-8)
Here in chapter 9 Paul again takes on the delicate subject of giving to the work of the LORD. Over a year ago, Corinth had promised to contribute to the Lord’s work in Jerusalem, but, as of yet they had failed to follow through with their pledge. Paul was concerned about negative consequences if other churches, especially the Macedonians, discovered the Corinthians' lack of integrity. These churches had given sacrificially partly because Paul had shared with them about the Corinthians' enthusiasm for the Jerusalem collection. So Paul takes it upon himself to send Titus (and an unnamed brother) to receive (collect) their gift, which they had previously promised, and encourages them to “let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
I love the way Paul does not condemn, nor places a guilt trip on them. He lovingly reminds them of their promise to give but places no amount, no percentage, no goals on them, even though they were financially much better off than most churches at that time. Giving comes from love, from our hearts to those in need, and for the furtherance of the Gospel. Our motive should never be what we may get in return. For God’s incredible gift to us of His Son, and our salvation, will forever be enough.
“God loves a cheerful giver” because that's exactly what He is! God gives freely and beyond all we can imagine. This is true first and foremost in the gift of His Son, but it's also true every day we live and breathe. God gives to us first so we can be generous to others. The order here is key though. We don't give first so that we can receive a blessing, giving is not an investment plan. We are already blessed, therefore we give out of love and gratitude for His sacrifice.
Knowing then that we are in so great a debt, how should we give? There’s no formula or percentage when it comes to giving, God cares only about the state of our hearts. Therefore, give as the Lord leads, as you are able to give, without reservation or out of obligation. In so doing, you will become a blessing to others.
The Truth
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Here in chapter 9 Paul again takes on the delicate subject of giving to the work of the LORD. Over a year ago, Corinth had promised to contribute to the Lord’s work in Jerusalem, but, as of yet they had failed to follow through with their pledge. Paul was concerned about negative consequences if other churches, especially the Macedonians, discovered the Corinthians' lack of integrity. These churches had given sacrificially partly because Paul had shared with them about the Corinthians' enthusiasm for the Jerusalem collection. So Paul takes it upon himself to send Titus (and an unnamed brother) to receive (collect) their gift, which they had previously promised, and encourages them to “let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
I love the way Paul does not condemn, nor places a guilt trip on them. He lovingly reminds them of their promise to give but places no amount, no percentage, no goals on them, even though they were financially much better off than most churches at that time. Giving comes from love, from our hearts to those in need, and for the furtherance of the Gospel. Our motive should never be what we may get in return. For God’s incredible gift to us of His Son, and our salvation, will forever be enough.
“God loves a cheerful giver” because that's exactly what He is! God gives freely and beyond all we can imagine. This is true first and foremost in the gift of His Son, but it's also true every day we live and breathe. God gives to us first so we can be generous to others. The order here is key though. We don't give first so that we can receive a blessing, giving is not an investment plan. We are already blessed, therefore we give out of love and gratitude for His sacrifice.
Knowing then that we are in so great a debt, how should we give? There’s no formula or percentage when it comes to giving, God cares only about the state of our hearts. Therefore, give as the Lord leads, as you are able to give, without reservation or out of obligation. In so doing, you will become a blessing to others.
The Truth
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
