Gracious act of giving

I once heard a marriage conference speaker share that he and his family gave away all the money they had, not just once but twice!  This man was not a rich man but one of average means.  Interesting since finances rank in the top three of troubled areas for married couples.

He went on to explain that he and his wife clearly sensed God was telling them to give out of obedience not knowing if they would recoup to where they had been financially.  Not a good technique to share in counseling a troubled couple struggling with finances!!

I grew up under the pretense that you MUST give the first 10% of everything you earn, with much petty debate over gross or net, to God.  If you didn't fulfill this obligation you were not going to be blessed or _______(fill in the blank) could happen to you!  “God loves a cheerful giver”, is the imploring from the pulpit on Sunday mornings.  This always brought a sense of fear resulting in obligation and duty rather than joy and generosity.  How could these two thoughts be reconciled?  The answer would ultimately have a huge affect on the coffers of non-profit organizations but even deeper, the true heart treasure  of the giver.

2Cor 10:12b tells us not to use ourselves as a standard of measurement.  Whew…does that take the guilt away since I will never be able to measure up to someone else’s expectations and standards of giving.   The only standard to measure myself by is the standard of Christ (Eph 4:11-13). 

The apostle Paul gives us some guidelines for this standard in 2 Cor 8:1-15 (NLT)

·      Give ourselves to the Lord

God doesn't want my money!  Surprised?  The Creator of all doesn't need anything to accomplish his purposes.  What He wants and needs is my obedience and faith—not given out of duty or obligation but a heart of love and thankfulness.  He gave the ultimate Gift before you and I were even born. God initiated pursuing me because my mind, heart and soul are the greatest gifts I can give him.

·      Give ourselves to each other

When I understand and accept God’s amazing free gifts of grace, mercy, forgiveness and kindness; when I acknowledge that God has provided all my needs I then am able to freely give of not only what I have but of myself to others.  “…he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.  Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” (2 Cor 2:14-16).  When we give ourselves to others we give a glimpse of Christ’s character. 

·      Give in proportion to what you have

Giving is not a competition sport.   ‘Showy’ giving not only distorts true giving but can also deny the basic necessities for those the giver is to be caring for.  Proportionate giving doesn't have a percentage sign.  Neither is the act of giving to clear self (or other) imposed guilt.  “Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly.  And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.” (2 Cor 8:12)

·      Give even in troubled times

The past few years have been extremely financially difficult for many people and giving is usually the first area to be axed.  In this atmosphere giving can be very creative and doesn't always mean money.  Giving can be food, warm clothes or blankets to those without or spending time with the sick, elderly or those in prisons.

“Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need.  Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it.” (2 Cor 8:14)

·      Excel in the gracious act of giving

The churches Paul was telling the Corinthians about were “being tested by many troubles and…very poor.  But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity….they gave not only what they could afford, but far more.  And they did it of their own free will.  They begged us…for the privilege of sharing…”  He then encourages his readers, “I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.  I am not commanding you to do this.  But I am testing how genuine your love is…” (2 Cor 8:2-3,7)

To excel in anything comes with the price of practice and testing.  How are we doing?  How genuine is our love?

Gracious giving is "patient, kind not jealous, boastful or proud. It is not demanding, irritable, or keeps records.  Gracious giving new gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.' (1 Cor 13)

What better time  as we enter a fresh new year to excel in the gracious act of giving.