THE GRACE OF GIVING

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 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. 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 ESV

The pattern for New Testament giving is mainly covered in 2 Corinthians 8-9. The Corinthians whom Paul was writing to were prosperous but they needed to grow in the grace of giving. He challenged the Corinthians about true Christian generosity.

Furthermore, he showed them that the foundation for giving is grounded in knowing the grace of God. Paul showcased the Macedonians generosity to provoke the Corinthians into love and good works.

Astonishingly, the Macedonian Churches had been ravaged by war, financial exploitation and natural disasters. As a result, they were in extreme financial poverty. Despite their dire situation, they were bursting with joy to give. 

For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord. begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saint and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

2 Corinthians 8:3-5 ESV

The poor Macedonian Christians were desperate to give beyond their means. They chose to be generous and were not under any compulsion. The glory of Christ became the treasure of the Macedonians. First, they gave themselves to the Lord as a result, gave to the poor Christians in Jerusalem. The heart of true Christian generosity is to first and foremost surrender to Christ. Therefore, the fruit of this heart disposition is selfless generosity but also it permeates every area of a person’s life. 

Christian giving should be voluntary as well as sacrificial. Evidently, the New Testament explicitly states that Christians should give from their own free will. (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Sadly, Tithing is used to manipulate people to give. Malachi 3:10 is the go to verse for this theology. People are manipulated to believe that if they don’t give a tenth of their monthly income, they are stealing from God but also their finances are at risk of the Devil.

However, this is untrue because, tithing was part of the old covenant agreement. It was the tax system God incorporated for the sustenance of the nation of Israel. So also, the tithe was an inheritance for the Levitical Priesthood which no longer exist (Numbers 18:21-24). 

Interestingly, there were three sets of tithes. Firstly, the Levitical tithe, then the tithe for the celebration of worship at the tabernacle. Thirdly, tithe was taken every three years for the welfare of the poor and foreigners (Leviticus 27:30, Deuteronomy 14:22 &28). So, apart from the compulsory tithing system in the Old Testament, God’s principle for giving was always from a person own discretion. 

The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. Exodus 25:1-2 ESV

This passage clearly shows that the people should give from their own free will. This contribution was for the building of the tabernacle. Amazingly, with hearts of gratitude and worship, the people gave generously. (Exodus 36:5-7). Similarly, centuries later, the people of God, gladly gave generously for the building of temple (1 Chronicles 29:1-9).

Therefore, the rule has never been changed, it has always existed before the New Testament dispensation (Deuteronomy 16:17). At the birth of the New Testament Church, Christians gave joyfully without any compulsion (Acts 2:45, Acts 4:34-37, Romans 15:25-27). Hence, the ultimate ground for generosity is gratitude for God and what He did for His people.

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. 2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV

The Apostle Paul did not command or manipulate the Macedonian churches but preached the Gospel (2 Corinthians 8:8). The eternal, glorious, Almighty King, who is Holy, Sovereign, Creator, Owner of all things and infinitely rich.

He left all His divine prerogatives and became incarnate. He was born into a poor family, though He was without sin and spiritually rich, He was killed as a criminal (Philippians 2:5-8). Therefore, those who are spiritually bankrupt will be made spiritually rich and given the glories of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Through Christ, believers are granted forgiveness and eternal life. They are adopted into God’s family and will be glorified. If a Christian, truly grasp the Gospel, they will be transformed. As a result, this will not only affect their giving but every area of their life.

Therefore, the warrant in scripture for Christian giving is voluntary and according to their means. We should always strive to give more because of the grace of God but also there are rewards in the coming age. However, it should always come from the heart (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Lastly, Christians should pay their taxes which was the equivalent of tithe for the Israelites. Remarkably, the expectation of a christian is more than a tenth of their income but much more. It’s not about the amount but the heart of the giver. As we give, God will bless us with all types of blessings whether spiritual or material. But most of all with eternal rewards.