The Gift of Giving

2 Corinthians 8:1-3 (NKJV)

Excel in Giving

8 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

² that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

 ³ For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

There is a great deal of discussion about giving to churches, most of it negative. 

Many feel that the churches of today have lost their connection with God and, at best, are slot machines where you put your money in, pull the lever and God will shower you with blessings.

There are folks who cringe at the mention of tithing reminding us, correctly. that the New Testament does not mandate a certain percentage in giving and point to ministers with lavish lifestyles and “prosperity messages” as a reason for avoiding church at all cost.

I was once in this number, much more concerned with the behavior of a few high-profile ministers than I was with the state of my own soul.

Then I was led to a church that simply encouraged prayer, study and more prayer led by ministers who consistently gave more than they received and my whole life began a wonderful transition.

This week our Pastor shared the message of 2Corinthians 8: 1-9 which speaks not to the issue of tithing but to the joy of giving.

Over the next few days I hope to share some of the wonderful blessings revealed in the Gift of Giving.

Mark 12:41-44 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Widow’s Two Mites

⁴¹ Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much.                                                             ⁴² Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.              ⁴³ So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;             ⁴⁴ for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

I always pictured this widow as a wizened old lady near the end of her life still struggling to participate in the obligations of her faith. All the artists renditions of this scene confirmed this. Then I saw a picture depicting a young woman with four children clinging to her putting in what she could not afford, and the Widow’s mite took on a whole new meaning.

2 Corinthians 8:2 (NKJV)

Excel in Giving

8 ² that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. (emphases added)

I truly believe that this widow experienced an abundance of joy in her giving beyond the limits of her poverty.

Thank you for joining me in this journey of discovery in the Gift of Giving.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!