Wednesday, February 24, 2016

The Blessing of Giving

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:
2 Corinthians 8 2 Corinthians 9 Leviticus 24 Leviticus 25 Psalms 49

In chapters 8 & 9 of 2 Corinthians Paul gives some principles for Christian giving. Though his instructions were given the Corinthians regarding a specific need, they provide us general principles for giving.

The first principle he gave is that Christian giving begins by giving ourselves to the Lord. Our giving flows out of that relationship and not from human compulsion. After all, the Lord is the source of what we have. Furthermore, our giving is a test of our love. Not toward church leaders who call upon us to give or to those who benefit by our giving, but a test of our love for the Lord. After all, how we use our money is a demonstration of what we value.

Another principle in giving Paul taught was proportionate giving. Because one is able to give a certain amount does not mean all should give that amount. We are to give in proportion to what God has provided us. This proportionate giving leads also to an equality of means. Paul pointed out that in giving to those in need, those giving should not be placed in hardship as a result. They were not to suffer in order for those in need to prosper. The giving is to come from our surplus. This is often where the rub comes, for few of us feel we have any surplus. Often the surplus is found after assessing what we really need and what we don't really need.

A further principle in giving Paul taught was the return on our giving. He compared it to sowing a crop with which we reap a harvest based on what we sow. If we sow sparingly we reap sparingly and if we sow generously we also reap generously. So it is with giving. What do we reap when we give financially? He does not say. It could mean that in return for generous giving God entrusts us with more finances. It could also refer to how we are blessed in our spirit, receiving a sense of satisfaction.

And our giving should also be done cheerfully. This goes back to the first principle - that our giving starts with giving ourselves to the Lord. Cheerful giving flows from that relationship and not from giving with compulsion because we feel we must or we should.

Paul concludes with a promise: "Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness,  as you are enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us." (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)

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