One characteristic of a true believer is generosity. However, the decision whether or not to give is entirely up to us; we can either joyfully embrace it or fearfully shy away from it. The world knows about taking but not giving, and therefore doesn’t understand how giving generously empowers the giver. Giving isn’t about money, but about trust.
During His ministry, Jesus had plenty to say about money. When He saw the widow put two mites into the treasury, which was all the money she had, He remarked on her generosity. Compared to the wealthy people who cast in greater amounts of money from their excess, the woman’s giving was an act of trust in God.
The grace that God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia empowered them to freely give although they were poor in material wealth. The joy they felt at hearing the Word preached gave them the power to give beyond their physical means. They were generous, despite their afflictions and deep poverty.
Grace-based giving is purposeful and deliberate; it plans ahead, and isn’t just an afterthought. Paul taught proportional giving. He advised the churches to set aside money in advance, as God had prospered each person. God prospers us to give so that we never have to be afraid of giving what we don’t have.
Paul urged the believers to sow bountifully. He also warned them not to consume all their financial resources, but to save some to give to others. God will multiply the financial seed that we sow into others’ lives and increase the fruits of our righteousness. What we give—not what we spend on ourselves—will be multiplied.
God set the example for us when He gave us His own Son. We can never out-give Him. When we trust Him with our finances, we can expect grace from the one who enables us to give.
Prayer:
God, You blessed each of us generously so that we, in turn, can bless others. You empower us with financial seed so that we can sow some of that seed into others’ lives. Thank You for the abundance You give us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scriptures:
Mark 12:41-44
2 Corinthians 8:1-3
1 Corinthians 16:2
2 Corinthians 9:6, 10
John 3:16