Giving - Why Do It?
Read 2 Corinthians 8-9
Poverty was no stranger to the first century church at Macedonia, yet their generosity was so great that it continues to be a model for giving almost 2,000 years later. The source of that generosity lay in the spiritual wealth of the Macedonians, which overflowed in such abundant giving that the apostle Paul made note of it repeatedly in his epistles. Paul says the Macedonians were pleased to give, and God loves a cheerful giver. They gave of their own accord, not grudgingly or under compulsion. They begged Paul for the opportunity to give, not having to be begged themselves. And they entreated Paul for the favor of helping support the saints. For them, giving was a privilege.
More than anything, however, giving seemed to come naturally to the Macedonians. It is that type of giving that is done in love, requires no audience, and is followed by no reasoning or regrets. It springs from a deep spiritual relationship that puts God in the proper perspective: as owner of all things.
Psalm 24:1 NAS declares, "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains." Deuteronomy 8:18 says it is God who gives us power to make wealth, not we ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 4:7 NAS, Paul asks, "And what do you have that you did not receive?" When we recognize God owns everything and all blessings come from Him (including our ability to work), our role as managers, or stewards, becomes evident. We also see the multitude of blessings we have to be thankful for. In response, we should view ourselves as God's servants, ready always to do His will. That is why we call Him Lord, meaning "ruler," "owner," "sovereign," "king."
Money is not our possession. It is God's possession, which we hold in trust. He allots different amounts to His children, based on His plan and purpose for their lives. And someday we'll be held accountable for the way we managed our allotments.
The Apostle Paul clearly states that our love for the Lord and our giving are in fact inseparably connected together. 2 Corinthians 8:7-8 LB: “I want you to be leaders also in the spirit of cheerful giving. This is one way to prove that your love is real, that it goes beyond mere words.”