The Grace of Giving

BEYOND THE BASICS | Mike Stephens | Wellandport, Ontario

2 Corinthians 8:5-7, So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also.

What is a “Christian Grace?” We might use this term when talking about the positive characteristics, virtues, actions, or attitudes that a faithful Christian should possess. The list Peter gives in 2Peter 1 are often labelled as the “Christian Graces” and rightly so, even though this specific term is not used in that passage.

2 Peter 1:5-7 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

In 2Corinthians 8 and 9, the Apostle Paul actually does describe giving a one of many “graces” and it is far more than just a mechanical act of putting something in the plate. Giving is a positive characteristic. A virtue. And an attitude that comes from God.

2 Corinthians 8:1 says, “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

This “grace of God bestowed on the churches” was the grace of giving.  The church at Corinth seemed to need a little stimulating in order to finish what they had previously promised.  By way of comparison with the poorer churches in Macedonia, Paul tries do teach Corinth the difference between “doing” and “talking about doing.”

2 Corinthians 8:2-4 NKJV 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

The churches in Macedonia were giving, even in their poverty. They were first giving as individuals. Willingly, imploring Paul, and with urgency. Paul says they recognized the gift and fellowship were more than something given to a vague cause. This was personal, “To the saints.”

2 Corinthians 8:5 says, “And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.”

Would the Christians in Corinth also want to be a congregation with personal commitment and personal giving? Paul wants them to be a giving “grace of God” church like those to in Macedonia.

Giving has always been a proper attitude or disposition for God’s people.  Before entering the Promised Land, Moses taught Israel to give with an open heart and open hand.

“If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother: (8)  But you shall open your hand wide unto him, and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs. (9)  Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry out to the LORD against you, and it become sin among you. (10)  Thou shall surely give him, and you heart shall not be grieved when you give to him: because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your works, and in all to which you put your hand. (11)  For the poor will never cease from the land: therefore I command you, saying, You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor, and your needy, in your land.” (Deuteronomy 15:7-11)

Christians are to continue with this grace toward one another.  Peter said this is how God’s love is shown. “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:8-10)

The church in Corinth is asked to follow through with this grace of giving to the needy saints. “So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us–see that you abound in this grace also.”  (2 Corinthians 8:6-7)

Paul reminds us that the grace of giving is, most of all, Christ-like. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”  (2 Corinthians 8:9)

The grace of giving is the description of Christ in Philippians 2 and selfish ambition and conceit are the opposite of giving.  “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:3-8)

Jesus recognized the selfless giving of the “Widows Mites” and drew attention to her instead of those wanting to blow their own horn. “And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all;” (Luke 21:1-3)

Likewise, Paul said to those in Corinth, its not about the amount. “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.”  (2 Corinthians 8:12)

Jesus states the giving is minor compared with the reward

“And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

God’s grace, and this grace are to transform us. It is no accident that Ephesians 4, verses 28 and 29 are together. They both speak to the transformed attitude of a Christian, and the following results. V28 moves from taking to giving. V29 moves from corrupt words to edification.  BOTH contain the grace of giving.

Ephesians 4:28-29 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Finally, in 2 Corinthinas 9, Paul reminds the brethren that this grace of giving may be fruitful beyond what they may ever know.  There were walls and cultural barriers that others were still struggling to overcome.  There were brethren they had never seen who would be reminded that “like precious faith” was bigger than their local group.  There were fellow Christians who might be encouraged to “pay it forward” to the praise and glory of God. As this was a challenge for the church in Corinth, may we rise to the challenge in our lives today.  Who can we encourage?  Who can this grace encourage, and how far will it go?  Can we motivate others, even generations from now, to “thank God for His indescribable gift.”

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:12-15)

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April 2024 | GROW magazine