6 Reasons Why Christians Should Give
Motives for giving from 2 Corinthians 8-9.
Have you ever thought about why Christians should give to help the church and others?
The Holy Spirit gives us at least six reasons in 2 Corinthians 8-9 that address why we should give. It’s not something we should do mindlessly or something we should do because we feel like we have to.
There’s actually a connection between our motives for giving and obeying the gospel of Christ.
To follow Jesus’ example of grace (2 Corinthians 8:1-9).
Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth of God’s grace given to the churches of Macedonia and how they had been generous in their giving despite being in “deep poverty” (8:1-3). Paul wanted them to abound in God’s grace as well.
Then he pointed them to the ultimate example of grace - Jesus Christ.
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)
Jesus Christ gave up His infinite riches and became poor so that we might become rich through His sacrifice (Philippians 2:5-8). Jesus’ grace and sacrifice should be our ultimate example of giving from our means.
To help those in need (2 Corinthians 8:10-15).
Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth that the “gift” they had started preparing about a year earlier was to help others in genuine need.
For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.” (1 Corinthians 8:13-15)
The Corinthians were “better off” from a financial standpoint and were in a position to be able to help those who were lacking what they needed.
Helping those in need, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ, is part of what it means to “sow to the Spirit” so that “of the Spirit” we may “reap everlasting life.”
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:7-10)
To honor the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:16-21).
The gift that Paul and others were encouraging the church in Corinth to prepare was not for the glory of the Corinthians - or even for the glory of Paul. It would be administered to those in need for “the glory of the Lord Himself” (2 Corinthians 8:19).
The good works we were created in Christ Jesus to do (Ephesians 2:10) - including our giving - are meant to glorify and honor the Lord.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
To demonstrate our love (2 Corinthians 8:17-9:5).
Paul reminded the church in Corinth that the gift they were preparing would provide proof of their love (8:24). Giving to help their brethren would demonstrate that they truly did love their brethren and God.
Demonstrating their love doesn’t mean Paul wanted them to express their feelings or emotions for their brethren - he wanted them to take action that required sacrifice.
Our love for God and each other must be something we demonstrate with our actions - it’s not just a feeling we express with our words.
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:16-18)
To remind us of our trust in God (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
Paul pointed the Corinthians back to God’s grace and provision when he encouraged them to give “bountifully” (9:6) and “cheerfully” (9:7). While they would be giving away some of their financial “blessings,” Paul reminded them that God is the ultimate giver (9:8-11).
Their giving was directly connected to their trust in God.
A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies. He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor. (Psalm 112:5-9)
Show me a generous Christian who helps others, and I’ll show you a Christian who deeply trusts God. On the other hand, show me a stingy Christian who is hesitant to help others, and I’ll show you a Christian whose trust in God is lacking.
To obey the gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 9:12-15).
Through their giving, the Corinthians would “glorify God for the obedience” of their “confession to the gospel of Christ” (9:13). Through their giving, the church in Corinth demonstrated their loyalty to what Jesus had done for them.
Sharing what we have with our brothers and sisters in Christ is a sign of our loyalty to the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37).
The gospel of Christ is where God’s power to save is found - and it also motivates godly living among Christians.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)
Being loyal to the gospel of Christ means more than just acknowledging what Jesus has done for us. It means living a new life serving Christ (Romans 6:15-18).
The Holy Spirit, through Paul, motivates Christians to give:
To follow Jesus’ example of grace (2 Corinthians 8:1-9).
To help those in need (2 Corinthians 8:10-15).
To honor the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:16-21).
To demonstrate our love (2 Corinthians 8:17-9:5).
To remind us of our trust in God (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
To obey the gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 9:12-15).
May our giving be motivated by these six things!
I noticed yesterday that the fundraiser for Taylor Coker - the opportunity for good works we shared a week ago - has reached its financial goal. Thank you to everyone who helped!
