Encouragement to Give Generously
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saint— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. 8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. – ESV – 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
- God wants to speak to you.
- Ask God what are the things upon His heart that He wants to share with you.
- After you have heard God’s voice, share it with someone else.
Five guidelines for giving in the New Testament:
- Everyone is to give something – 1 Corinthians 16:2
- Give to God first – Proverbs 3:9-10
- Give generously and proportionally – 2 Corinthians 9:6
- Give primarily through your local church – Acts 4:33-35
- Grow in the grace of giving – 2 Corinthians 8:7
- Could it be that giving of “my money” was never about “my money”? God do not need my money.
- Could it be that giving of “my money” was for my own benefit and maturity? The first commandment in the Ten Commandments.
- Could it be that giving of “my money” was more about what I treasure in my heart? Where my treasure is, there my heart will be.
According to a wise and maturing brother in Christ,
“If you are not living a life of generosity and giving, you are robbing yourself of an abundant life in Christ. – G.W”