As Paul strongly encourages the Corinthians to provide financial support for impoverished saints in Judea, he also supplies four necessary characteristics of their giving (2 Corinthians 8-9).
❶ Giving should be generous. Paul writes, “he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). Repeatedly, Paul praises the generous giver and explains that when more is given, more can be accomplished.
❷ Giving should be sincere. Paul writes, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion…” (2 Corinthians 9:7). A Christian’s giving cannot be forced but must be self-determined.
❸ Giving should be cheerful. Paul writes, “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7b). Giving should be seen as a great opportunity to support and participate in the work of the Lord’s church.
❹ Giving should be gracious. Paul writes, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Corinthians 9:8). When we give, we follow the example provided by God and remember that our ability to give comes only from God.
Matt Langfield