Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

The Grace of Giving


Benson Babu
Long Island MTC, NY
7 Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you[d]—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.

When one thinks of being gifted, the examples that often come to mind are those of talented musicians, intelligent people, outstanding athletes, individuals with exceptional social interaction skills and so forth. We don’t always consider a ‘cheerful giver’ as falling within that category. However, in 2 Cor. 8: 7, Paul writes, But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.  He considers giving another area to build excellence in and an area where grace must dwell. 

What does this mean for us? It means that the art of giving is something that we need to seek grace for just as you ask God for faith, for wisdom and knowledge, boldness and so on.  So often, many people in the church become full of pride because of the large amounts they contribute or once contributed to the church.  They make it seem as though their contribution is what propelled the growth of that parish, and not the grace of God, which enabled them to give in the first place.  Such a belief actually dethrones the sovereignty of God and makes man’s ability the center of worship. It also blinds people to purpose of giving which is to demonstrate the unique love of Christ. Paul not only praised the Corinthian church for giving, but also giving in spite of their poverty and the unending persecution that they were enduring in the process. 

In verses 10-12, Paul goes on to say, “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”  In other words, God is concerned about the condition of your heart, whether you are willing to give and what you do what with you have. Frequently, we worry about what we don’t have to give or how we can’t give like some others can. God is not worried about that; he wants to know what you can do with what you do have.

So today, will you make a choice to give and be blessed? Will you choose to cultivate your gift of giving or seek to ask God for it?  The gift of giving also has special benefits as well. The gift of giving allows you to become worry-free of your present predicaments. It pushes you to trust in the unfailing love and providence of God, which is present beyond any circumstance.  You don’t need to start with something grand or massive. Even offering someone change for a bus fare or offering a homeless person a dollar can go a long way in developing this gift, but we all need to make that initial decision to become what the Bible calls a ‘cheerful giver’. That is, someone who gives not out of compulsion or guilt but out of genuine love.


PRAYER


God Almighty, help us to understand that giving is a gift from you. Help us to receive this gift through your grace and touch the lives others with your providence. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Will you be someone who gives not out of compulsion or guilt but out of genuine love?

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