Grace Giving

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

Giving begins as a mental attitude of grace and compassion toward those in need. We saw in I Corinthians Paul’s instruction regarding a voluntary offering for the impoverished saints at Jerusalem. The Christians of the 1^st century were all under so much pressure their very survival depended upon being in close fellowship with other local bodies, and helping meet each others’ needs in this time of great distress. Paul indicates the Macedonian churches were not wealthy, but had meager means themselves, yet were so joyful in their faith that they were eager to share whatever they had with those in even more humble circumstances. The extreme ostracism of the saints at Jerusalem as well as an economic depression in that area had resulted in great poverty. Paul and his team of evangelists and teachers, as they visited the churches to assure and teach the believers, also informed them of this great need among the other saints.

There is no percentage mentioned in these passages about Christian giving. Love gives all. They earnestly desired to give. They gave of themselves to the service of the kingdom of Christ, knowing that whatever material goods they had was by His grace. They considered it a privilege to participate in the relief effort. Titus had begun this work of benevolence with the Corinthians, and Paul encouraged him and the Church to see it through. Anything they could give would be appreciated and rewarded.

I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.
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 by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” 2 Corinthians 8:8-15

Paul did not command them to give. That would not be grace, but it would be works under duress. He knew, though, that they had discussed this offering and were positive about doing it. He urged them on to complete the offering, by reminding them of the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice for us. He gave His all. It is attitude in giving, not the amount, that is rewardable. Paul wasn’t asking them to pledge what they did not have, but to share from their abundance, real money, to ease the burdens of those in dire need. In fairness, he reminded them, when you need help, they may be able to give you aid. Verse 15 states the manna principle—from each according to his abundance, to each according to his need. I am firmly convinced that God, knowing which believers are most generous with their resources, blesses those believers with greater abundance, because they WILL share. It is a spiritual gift for some—they are just extra sensitive to the needs of others and always ready to help. Also, they take great pleasure in being able to do for others; not pride, but sweet satisfaction in knowing their gift was used where needed. Those spiritually gifted givers never expect anything in return. Their immediate reward is in the giving. Their giving is a demonstration of love.

But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Titus was motivated exactly as Paul was regarding his care for the saints. He was intent on continuing in the work of relieving the Jerusalem Church. Titus and two unnamed Christian brothers who were apparently known to the churches and whom Paul had complete confidence in were to be the trustees of the fund. “We aim at what is honorable—in the Lord’s sight---and in the sight of men.” This is a statement of accountability. Those who handle the money and the services of the Lord’s local churches must be accountable. Paul was meticulous about that. He and his men could be criticized for their zeal, and they were; but there would be no question about how they handled the Lord’s money.

Once more, he reminded the Corinthian saints that he’d been bragging about them to everyone. “Your reputation for love and generosity precedes you. Keep that in mind as you give.” Paul didn’t coerce them, but he wasn’t above giving them a little nudge, for maximum results.