GIVING (3)

What began as a look at our responsibility in giving, is turning into quite a search, but a fruitful one for me. I do hope you enjoy!

The Macedonians demonstrated complete selflessness in their giving for the believers in Jerusalem. What an example for us! But as Paul continues his letter, we see that he shares the reason for their motivation.

“For you know how generous our Lord Yeshua the Messiah was – for our sakes he impoverished himself, even though he was rich, so that he might make you rich by means of his poverty.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

I believe we are to understand that the example of Jesus own “setting aside”, “impoverishment” is the pattern for our giving. Extreme? Perhaps, but nonetheless, that to which we are called. This will be supported shortly.

Let’s try and encapsulate what we have seen so far about giving:
1. Where our wealth is, is where our hearts are.
2. Our generosity or stinginess is connected with what light we have from God.
3. Our blessedness is tied to our giving to help others before ourselves.
4. The pattern was set by Jesus himself.

We haven’t quite reached our destination but we are approaching it!

As we turn to 2 Corinthians 9 we see that the topic of giving continues against the backdrop which we have just outlined.

Starting in verse 6 we read, “Here’s the point: he who plants sparingly also harvests sparingly … for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Is it ironic or what – God leaves the decision up to us as to how we give but sets before us two concrete examples of totally selfless giving in the Macedonians and Jesus himself. He then adds the trailer, “God loves a cheerful giver” taken from Proverbs 22 as if to say, we are to give even to the point of personal disadvantage … and do it with a smile! I don’t know about you, but this seems to be more than can be expected of Christians. You know I have this to pay and that and that and … the list goes on. But if we are truly interested in being Jesus’ disciple, isn’t that what we are called to do?

It is then that we have that wonderful verse:

“God has the power to provide you with every gracious gift in abundance, so that always in every way you will have all you need for yourselves and be able to provide abundantly for every good cause – as the Tanakh says, “He who gives generously to the poor his righteousness/charity lasts forever.”” (2 Corinthians 9:8, 9 quoting Psalm 112:9)

“He who plants sparingly also harvests sparingly.”

[To be continued.]