2 Corinthians 8:10-24 -  New Covenant Giving

New Covenant giving is not based on legalism, tithe, guilt, or pressure.  Followers of Jesus are generous givers because God is generous.  God shows us mercy and gives us grace when we deserve rejection and shame.  He became poor because he loved us.  God gave us everything - even His one and only Son.

We give because of our abundant joy in Jesus Christ.  Joy overflows into generosity.

We are not coaxed or forced by an authority that wields a penalty over us (perhaps there is little difference between the tax man and the insatiable demands of some legalists).  Christians are different; we give out of our free will (8:3) and love.  

If Christians are not begging to give generously to their brothers and sisters it is likely because the need has not been shown and understood.  And I suspect many are leery because of all of the dishonor, fraud, and greed.  If the genuine need is there God’s people will give freely, generously, and enthusiastically.  This is proven.  Time and again.

We must never manipulate Christians into giving (and never be manipulated!).  And never ask non-Christians to give to a Christian project.  God does not need funding.  He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and His way is to be the Provider for all our needs (Hebrews 13:5).  He will never fail us or abandon us.

But God forbid that you command people to give; Paul does not do that here.  Rather, Paul advised that the Corinthians finish their initiative and give generously to the Church in Jerusalem.

Today we see so-called leaders, in some instances, paid more than the average NYSE listed companies CEOs, demand more from their flock.  They don’t honor God.  And they don’t fear Him.  They are prosperity preachers and their hearts desire more, more, more.  They are takers, not givers.  There is no transparency in their ministry.  The devil hates the Light.  The Bible tells us that wisdom hates pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech (Proverbs 8:13).  So shall we.

We must follow the Apostle Paul’s example here from the early church.  When you have plenty, give.  Later when others have plenty they will share with you.  Fraud, stealing, deceit, and greed have been prevalent in the church from day one.  But our standard in Jesus Christ is to oppose such dishonesty.  We must be careful to be honorable before God.  And we must want everyone else to see that we are honorable (8:21).  Let’s face it.  We’ve failed God’s standard here.  We must do better.

The way we stop criticism and honor God is to be good.  And transparent.  Our church is transparent about its finances.  If you give you have full access to how we spend funds.  That's how it should be.  If you don’t provide a detailed budget or an explanation of how the brothers and sisters’ money was spent then that is a sin.  That is not honoring the Lord Jesus.

The new covenant standard is to give in proportion to what you have.  It is not a legalistic standard.  Look at what you have and with an eager and generous heart, give.  Don’t feel guilty or proud of your giving.  Both are a sin.  God gave us everything so if you make a donation or gift keep it between yourself and God.  And thank Him that you were able to do so.  Your right hand need not know how much your left gave.  If you give only a small portion of what you have or if you feel pressured or concerned about the purpose then pray about that.  God knows your heart.  He loves you completely and wants you to be a wise and generous steward of His resources.

God always provides enough (8:15).  If you are greedy and holding back generosity you will be no farther ahead.

In all giving, managing money, and stewardship work to prove how genuine your love for Jesus Christ is.  Show God how much you love Him.  He knows.  He wants us to encourage each other to be honest and generous.

Lord Jesus, may I be eager to help others today.  Amen.

Ben and Sam Volunteering