Joyful Giving
Reflections on 2 Corinthians 9:1-5
“Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop. You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Over the years I have had several conversations with church members and some members of the community, regarding the attitude of giving. Comments that surface cast a hard judgment not only on churches but also on charitable organizations. The hardest comment that I have heard is, “Churches and groups like you always have their hands out begging for money. You always give the idea that you are broke. Then I hear you give away a portion of what I give to other people who are undeserving.” I will comment on this below, but I want to ask you a question before I do: Do you feel the resources you have are out of an attitude of scarcity or of abundance?
First of all churches and organizations have a mission to help others who are in need. In the early part of the history in our country churches and organizations like them developed hospitals, schools and universities, places of refuge, and even penitentiaries. The word penitent means to feel sorry for a crime or sin you committed. People would be removed from society to help establish a meaningful life giving them good food, time to think through their life path, and meaningful work. Today we have food banks, assisting programs, debt reduction programs, and foreign and domestic missionaries; just to name a few. Yes, our government has programs too, but they are limited. If the government gives foreign aid, they are obligated to give it to the government of that country. If given through the church, the aid is given to their denomination of the country. Giving in this way through the church helps a greater portion of people or countries.
One person who was critical of giving to the church decided to give after our conversation. He wrote a check for $1,000.00 and handed it to me. When I received it, he held on to it; I felt a tug. I left it go and turned to walk away. He said don’t you want it? I answered no, you gave me the impression you didn’t really offer it to the Lord’s work. Until you have an attitude of giving joyfully, you can keep it. The man was left speechless.
Giving your money to a church or other charitable organization is a display of your spiritual growth in the Lord. It works like this: For example, you visit a church. You are greeted by one of the members. You go back several times and get involved with Bible studies and fellowship opportunities. You may or may not join the church, but you still go. Someone asks you to take part in the ministry. Then you start to give in the offering plate, then you decide what you want to give each week or month. You became part of this ministry that reaches people in need. You can’t wait to return and help out again.
Christian giving is a joyful event. For those who believe that Jesus is God’s son, is an example of God’s joyful giving. Jesus was sent so we could realize God’s giving/loving heart. Jesus taught us regarding God’s kingdom is open to all people who will receive his free gift of salvation. In God, there is no scarcity of his gifts to anyone, but the abundance of his love is poured down on all who will receive. Knowing joy in giving brings us around to our joy of giving in his spirit. Looking at your situation when you see the abundant life God has given, brings joy to your giving.
Dear Lord, I have felt left alone in my life, but now I realize you are always with me. I struggle with what I thought as scarcity in my life in the midst of the abundance that you give. With a joyful and thankful heart, I give so others' needs are met. Amen.