When it comes to the spiritual practice of giving, how do you fare?
For some, it is a no-brainer, yet for others, it evokes fear and a true test of faith. You see, throughout God’s word, we are commanded to tithe our first fruits and for good reason! Tithing is not only a clear principle we should be applying to our lives, but if we simply put it into practice, God promises to bless us and guide us.
Together, let’s explore how giving plays a significant role in our spiritual lives.
The Church of Corinth: An Example to the Christian Church
Even though the First-Century church was contemplating how to follow Jesus, much like the global church today, they did it imperfectly. You see, the church in Corinth was carnal: there was a whole lot of everything going on, and it was a mess.
The world thinks that when you come to church on Sunday morning, it should be filled with perfect people. They expect churchgoers to do all the right things and live in every righteous way, but the truth of the matter is that the church is not a social club for saints—it is a hospital for sinners. (Yourself and me included.)
The apostle Paul, and the writer of 2 Corinthians, is helping this community of people to get their lives straightened out. Not only does he encourage them in their struggles, but challenges them with a plethora of ways to change, and one specific way is through the act of giving.
The Spiritual Significance of Giving and Why It Still Applies Today
Many in the church categorize giving as a separate entity; however, in reality, it speaks volumes to where a Christian is spiritually.
A Personal Plea (2 Corinthians 9:1-5)
“Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.”
2 Corinthians 9:1-5, NKJV
In this passage, we can observe that Paul is making a personal plea to the church of Corinth in regards to the offerings they agreed to give to the poor churches of Macedonia. Might I remind you that this isn’t their tithe Paul is talking about; it is their offering—a gift above and beyond their tithes.
Furthermore, we can also note that Paul has sent messengers ahead of him in hopes that when he arrives, the Corinthians will be ready to give without poor attitudes. Church, when you commit to give, the last thing the Lord wants is for you to have a bad attitude when you do. Should that be the case, it would be better for you to just keep your money.
A Powerful Principle (2 Corinthians 9:6)
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
2 Corinthians 9:6, NKJV
This passage has stuck with me and continues to shape my life. I have witnessed God’s beautiful promise that if you sow sparingly, you will experience a reward without lack. Saints, if you are generous with no bounds, God will bless you the exact same way!
Now, just as He is faithful in our generosity, He is also faithful in our lack. If you are stingy in your giving, God will reciprocate that when He provides for you. You reap in relationship to what you sow.
We live in a society where many desire to make a minimal deposit for a huge return. (Look at the lottery. You give one dollar and expect a million dollars back. I see you in the Seven-Eleven playing numbers!)
You don’t sow one seed expecting an entire field of harvest. Your crop is always in relation to what you sow!
The Eulogy of Giving
Eulogy comes from the Greek word eulogía. A eulogy is what you speak of someone who has passed away. As a pastor, I have performed many eulogies—countless for those I knew well, and some for those I didn’t know at all.
What 2 Corinthians 9:6 is saying is that when you make an offering, you are making an eulogistic statement. Simply put, if you give well, you are living from a place of knowing God well.
Church, I don’t believe you can have a relationship with God and not give back what He has already given you. When you accept Him as Lord of your life, you talk differently, act differently, and love differently. You are changed! The very least you could offer is your first fruits.
Make a eulogistic statement about the One who has changed your life!
A Purposeful Present (2 Corinthians 9:7)
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJ
When you give an offering, it is a purposeful present to God. That means that your gift comes from a decision that resonates in your heart and spirit. I attend many events and services, but I do not give my money to everything, only those that I feel led to. If you don’t feel convicted, keep your money in your pocket!
God loves a cheerful giver. This cheer comes from the assurance that you know who God is and what He is capable of doing in your life. It is knowing that when you give back to God, He will open the windows of heaven and pour out His blessing in which we have no capacity to hold! Because when God gives back, it will be pressed down, shaken together, and running over.
A Persuasive Promise (2 Corinthians 9:8)
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8, NKJV
Do you know we serve a God who is able?
In 2 Corinthians 9:1-7, Paul sets up the truth about giving, and now, in verse 8, he connects that truth to the capacity of God’s provision of grace! But what is grace?
Grace is when God gives you the desire, power, and ability to do and be what you are called to do and be. It is His presence and capacity that helps you step into the divine plans He has for your life!
There are many who are successful at their jobs but are terrible human beings. We must recognize that if we are going to live lives according to His kingdom, we need grace.
Grace to be better spouses as we love with His love.
Grace to be better parents as we are patient in all circumstances.
Grace to be better friends as we build trust and empathy.
The truth is we serve a God who is capable of doing the spectacular when we put our complete trust in Him. And our tangible trust begins with the tithe. He is a good and faithful God who deserves our worship in all aspects of our lives.
Saints, do you believe that He is able and willing to do immeasurably more in your life when you surrender your resources?
For more on the spiritual significance of the tithe, check out Pastor John Jenkins Sr.’s sermon, The Spiritual Significance of Giving on YouTube.
