Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 HCSB
Tithing or giving in church is often something pastors shy away from discussing. In an article on sharperiron.org pastor Dean Taylor from Calvary Baptist Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina explained the difference between tipping, tithing and giving.
Those who tip, dig from loose change or whatever they have laying around. Those who tithe give a planned amount. He speaks in his article about the Old Testament requirement of ten percent in tithing.
In our Scripture passage today, however, Paul is speaking with the Corinthians about grace giving. This is the New Testament way of giving. Paul never specifies a certain amount but encourages them to give what each has decided in his heart to give. This is what is meant by grace giving.
In 2 Corinthians chapter 9 Paul outlines five reasons we should give. The first is it will encourage others to give. We are told in Hebrews 10:24 we are to be concerned for one another in order to promote love and good works.
Secondly, our giving blesses us. Proverbs 11:24 says one person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. We shouldn’t give in order to get something, but God’s blessing is definitely a fringe benefit of our giving.
Thirdly, our giving meets needs. If no one gave to the church how would the bills be paid? A church, like a house has electric bills, insurance, salaries and other bills that need to be paid. Warren Weirsbe said in His book, Be Encouraged, “Grace never looks for a reason, it only looks for an opportunity. If there is a need to be met the grace-controlled Christian will do what he can to meet it.”
Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.”
In 2 Corinthians 9:13 Paul speaks of how our giving glorifies God. He said, “They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service.
The fifth reason Paul gave for grace giving is it will unite God’s people. In 2 Corinthians 9:14-15 Paul said, “And they will have deep affection for you in their prayers on your behalf because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”
God’s indescribable gift is that of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. He gave His Son to be tortured and humiliated and die on a cross for us.
In 2 Corinthians Paul never mentions a percentage or an amount but encourages them to give what is in their heart. Your church needs your financial and spiritual support. It doesn’t just need your occasional visit or a tip for good service.
God wants us to be cheerful givers. He wants us to give because we want to support our church and the ministry. If you are not giving, pray about it. Pray about how much you should give. Give regularly, your church depends on it.
Imagine if your employer paid you when they felt like it and as much as they felt like giving. That would be pretty scary, wouldn’t it? Determine in your heart what you can give and commit to giving it regularly. I am not only talking about your money, but your time and your service as well. You need church and your church needs you.
Jesus gave His life for us, His church. Can you commit to faithfully giving time and money to yours?
Have a great day!