2 Corinthians 6-11

December 3

2 Corinthians 6-11

Sometimes churches get a bad reputation because people think the only thing the church wants is their money. This may be true in some circumstances, but often this is an excuse to avoid the subject of giving. Giving of our resources, whether it is money, talent or time, should be a natural response to God’s blessings upon us. Paul wrote of the Macedonians; "And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will." (2 Corinthians 8:5, NIV)

When the church encourages giving, it must begin with the heart. If we give ourselves first to the Lord, He frees up our wallets so we are more willing to give to the work of the Church. The ability to give is a gift of God. He knows that money is one of the idols that have the strongest pull on our hearts. When we are able to give, we are set free from the bondage money has over us. On the practical side, our giving also finances the ministry of God on the earth.

We cannot out give God. When we can give willingly, He opens up the floodgates of heaven and pours His blessings upon us. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, NIV)