2 Corinthians 9 - Why Should I Give Money to the Church?

2 Corinthians 9 - NIV

Enduring Word Commentary

Generosity Encouraged

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

This is the second chapter in a row, where Paul is admonishing the Corinthians to complete the financial commitment they made to help the church in Jerusalem. In verses 6-11, Paul gives the fundamental principles for a Christian to guide how they should give back their financial blessings to others. The most important word he uses, which is the key to biblical giving is "generosity". 

When we understand these principles, we will naturally move toward being radically generous toward God and others. Importantly Paul says when we "sow generously", we "reap generously". This principle alone should motivate us to be more generous.  This principle is one you will only experience when you give generouusly. Haven't you seen that "generous" people have always have enough, and "stingy" people never have enough.

Doesn't it make sense that if you were God that you would give material resources to those who were supporting His cause on earth. Wouldn't you bless those who are being ambassadors for the great gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul goes further to say, "In all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work."

God is always going to fund His mission here on earth, not only financially, but as Paul says "in every good work". As we all know being radically generous is not just about money but also giving of our time and talents. What I like to says, "You can never outgive God!" How do we know this? 

Because God's very nature is to be a lavish and radically generous gift giver. Obviously this is shown most clearly in the giving His one and only Son to the world. God gave his one and only Son to die for us, so that we might be forgiven of our sin and cleansed from all unrighteousness. Paul at the end of the chapter sums up all of his teaching by saying, 

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

The motivation for all of our giving back to God comes from looking upon the cross and seeing our Savior offering up himself for us. This was why Paul says not to give "reluctantly and under compulsion". If you are giving because of guilt or to impress others might I be as bold to say, "Leave your money in your pocket". Why?

God doesn't need our money! In a sense we "get to give!". There is no better place to invest our money than in God's mission, which he accomplishes through the local church. Although the tithe (10%) is the Old Testament standard for giving, generosity is the New Testament for giving. Why? Because for some giving 10% would be almost impossible, and for others it would be a drop in the bucket. What's generous for me is not probably the same for you. I won't be judged on what I did with your material resources, and visa versa. 

Are you a generous giver? Do you give freely and cheerfully? Why or why not? How does realizing that everything you have has come from God help you to be more generous? What is one step you can take soon to give more of your time, talents, and treasures? 

Remember what you give toward God's kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven will make a difference for all of eternity! 

Jesus, thank you for the indescribable gift you gave us when you died for us on the cross. May my life be a living sacrifice given back to you. Take my life Lord and let it be consecrated Lord to thee. Take my silver and my gold. Not a mite from you I withhold. Amen. 


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