How Should We Determine How Much We Give? 2 Corinthians 8

Paul addresses another practical issue of collecting for the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem.  They were poor and Paul initiated a giving campaign which would be collected by people like Titus, then delivered to the saints there.  It is amazing how these principles that Paul gives the Corinthians for giving are perfectly applicable today! 

The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Paul talks about the "grace given" to the churches in Macedonia (the Philippian church). It reminds us that our giving starts and ends with God's grace given to us freely.  What was particularly exceptional about the Philippian's generosity is it came not out of abundance, but it was an act of sacrificial giving.  It was similar to the widow's mite when Jesus said, "You gave out of your abudance, but she (the widow) gave all she had."  Luke 21

The Philippians not only responded to the call to give financial help to the church in Jerusalem, but they pleaded for the privilege of sharing in the fund raising effort.  They really understood that you can't "outgive God!"  

Paul says they gave themselves first of all to the Lord.  This could be related to the fact they gave first to the local church (often called a "tithe" see note below about tithing), and then to the wider church.  Or, it could be a sign that the first gift was giving their lives to the Lord spiritually, and then the material giving followed naturally after. 

8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 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 through his poverty might become rich.

Paul gives them and us the ultimate motivation for giving to God's work.  Jesus is the penultimate example of giving.  Though Jesus had everything, including equality with God, he emptied himself and gave everything he had to us on the cross, including his life.  There will never be a larger, more sacrificial, and more freely given gift than Jesus' life on the cross for our sake.  Through his selfless gift, we became the richest people on earth by inheriting eternal life. 

10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

Though the Corinthians were very eager to give, Paul wants to match sure they follow through and follow up by completing their offering.  It is one thing to make a pledge, but another to follow through giving on a timely and consistent basis. Paul also reminds them their gift is in accordance with their means.  We all have a different amount of resources to give to God's work.  In the parable of the talents, Jesus tells his disciples that whoever has been given much, much is required.  It is the same with spiritual gifts.  Each believer has at least one spiritual gift, and we should use it liberally for God's glory. 

13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

It is interesting that Paul uses the word "equality" in this teaching on giving.  He is not saying that everyone should be giving an equal amount, like a tax. Or, everything should get the same thing, like "communism" or "socialism".  He is saying that often times when you give to someone in need out of your plenty, when you are in need someone else might come back to supply your needs. The bottom line is that when we give generously there always seems to be enough to go around.  

I can certainly attest to this in my life.  There were times when I had very little to give, but gave according to my means. Then when I had a little bit more, I tried to do the same.  But the main thing is that God has always provided for me and my family financially in many different and unforeseen ways and different people.  God loves a cheerful giver, he doesn't necesarily need our money. We should not give out of guilt or obligation, but because we are willing and in response to the great gift of salvation God gave freely to us. 

Does your attitude regarding giving align with the principles Paul lays out here?  Do you follow up on the commitments you make to the church and other Christian organizations? As you look back on your life can you see God's faithfulness to you as you have been faithful to give in accordance to your means?  Where can you grow in generosity both materially and spiritually with your time and talents?  

Note: You notice the word "tithe" is not used here.  Tithing was an Old Testament law that the Israelites give a tenth of all of their produce back to the temple for the priests and needs of the temple.  There were also special offerings that Israelites gave for special needs, like the widows and orphans.  Though tithing is not necessarily prescribed in the New Testament, it is a great place to start if you are thinking about what portion of your income to give to the church.  In most churches if everyone tithed in the church, the church would have 3 to 4 times the income to fund its mission!