Is it true that people don't like it when preachers talk about money? My preacher husband always gets nervous when he has to talk about tithing. He is worried that he will make visitors uncomfortable. I asked him if anyone has ever actually complained, and he couldn't think of anything specific. We decided it is just the enemy's way of keeping preachers intimidated so they won't let people in on one of God's most powerful tools in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Paul was very direct in his instructions about giving in
2 Corinthians Chapters 8 and 9. In these chapters, Paul encourages the Macedonian churches to finish what they started. He tells them he has been bragging on their generosity and that their story of giving has challenged other churches to follow their example. As I read this passage, I have to confess that my faith in the area of giving is pretty pathetic. I grew up tithing, and I can remember being happy as a little girl to be able to give my dime to Jesus in Sunday school. My parents also taught me to give God the first 10% of my paycheck when I worked on their farm; so I don't struggle with giving my tithe. I have seen the faithfulness of God to pour out His blessings when we bring in the whole tithe mentioned in
Malachi 3. I even give my tithe cheerfully.
The area I struggle with is giving more. My budget is tight, and I am pretty stingy. I am a penny-pincher, and it is difficult for me not to count the cost when it comes to making a donation to anything beyond my tithe. So, this blog post is my true confession, and I would be greatly encouraged to hear stories from my readers of when God prompted you to be a generous giver. I commit to be more open to praying often that God will lead me to give beyond my human ability. I want my generosity to inspire others. Paul used a long list of descriptors to paint a picture of the selfless nature of the Macedonians. Will you join me in praying that God will stir up in you and me the following qualities of a generous giver? We have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
- They gave in the midst of severe trial
- Overflowing joy
- Welled up in rich generosity
- Gave as much as they were able, even beyond their ability
- Pleaded for the privilege of sharing
- Exceeded expectations
- Gave themselves first to the Lord and then to others
- Excel in everything
- faith
- speech
- knowledge
- complete earnestness
- love
- grace of giving
- Sincere love
- Followed the example of Christ
- First in line to give
- Eager willingness to help
- Example to others
- Enthusiasm stirs others to action
- Sows generously, reaps generously
- Cheerful giver
- God will supply and increase and enlarge your righteousness
- Results in thanksgiving to God
- Supplying needs
- Overflowing of thanks to God
- Others will praise God for your obedience
- Surpassing grace God gives you
2 Corinthians 9:11New International Version (NIV)
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
