Giving, a topic that invokes mixed feelings and unease. Just the mention of the word in a church context might cause us to recoil, and I confess, I’ve been there too. I can’t count how many times I’ve mentally switched off during sermons about giving. It’s a touchy subject, marred by abuses and misinterpretations, leaving us wary. But let’s journey together into God’s Word and navigate this topic with care.
We’ve all encountered teachings that invoke guilt, manipulation, or even exploitation in the name of giving. Misusing passages like Micah 3:8-10 and the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1-4), some have twisted God’s Word to serve their interests. But this passage in 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 sheds light on what true, liberating generosity looks like.
“1 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 saints— 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.”
The Unexpected Generosity of the Macedonians
Paul draws our attention to the Macedonian believers who exemplify generous hearts amidst severe affliction and poverty. Their actions defy the odds—giving not just according to their means, but beyond, even begging to participate in relief efforts. Their actions contrast with conventional expectations, unveiling a profound truth: Grace grounds generosity.
Grace: The Source of True Giving
The thread of grace runs prominently throughout this passage. Paul recognizes that genuine generosity is a gift from God. It’s not about coercive tactics or guilt-tripping, but about grace—God’s unmerited favor that initiates and sustains our generosity. It’s the foundation, the starting point, and the driving force.
The Ultimate Ground: The Cross of Christ
However, grace finds its ultimate expression at the cross. Paul brings us to the heart of the matter, where we encounter the impoverished God who chose willingly to become poor for our sake. The Son of God became human, bore our sin, and died in our place. The cross is where the bankrupt find richness in forgiveness and salvation.
The Cross: A Discernment Tool
The cross isn’t just a symbol; it’s a tool for discernment. When we hold it up to teachings on giving, we find clarity.
- The cross is free and willing. Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t forced; it was a willing offering. The same goes for true generosity—it’s not driven by guilt but flows freely from a heart touched by grace.
- The cross is other-centered. God’s giving wasn’t self-serving; it was for our salvation. Likewise, our generosity should be marked by love for others, not personal gain.
- The cross is costly. Giving isn’t always easy; it requires sacrifice. Just as the cross was painful, genuine generosity involves real costs.
- The cross is filled with joy and gratitude. Despite its agony, the cross was embraced with joy for the redemption it brought. Our giving, too, should come from hearts brimming with gratitude for God’s grace.
Celebrating the Generous God
When you approach the topic of giving, stay focused on the generous God of the cross. By grounding ourselves in his ultimate sacrifice, allowing the significance of His gift to resonate within us, and working out the implications of what that means for us when it comes to giving—freedom will be result along with sacrificial generosity.