GCV Blog

Grace Church of the Valley blog.

In my previous pastoral words, we’ve considered giving as a means of grace. God’s Word dictates the manner in which we should give; we ought to give sacrificially, cheerfully, purposefully, and regularly. However, God’s law does not leave us without motivation. Giving is a means of grace, in that, if we give properly, then God will use that action to grow us to be more like Christ. Consider some of the benefits in giving biblically that are found in 2 Corinthians 9.

 

Giving biblically

 

  • affirms our understanding of God’s character (v. 8). We affirm His sovereignty, benevolence, and wisdom in taking care of us and in His using the gift. He is able to provide for our every need.
  • is a gateway to contentment (v. 8).
  • is an avenue to abound in good works (v. 8).
  • produces thankfulness to God in us (individually and collectively) and glorifies Him (v. 11-13).
  • affirms the Gospel as it flows from our confession (v. 13). It reminds us that our life is not our own and that we have been purchased and redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.
  • is an avenue for unity in the church as it increases our affections for one another and the desire to pray for one another (v. 14).
  • blesses the recipient of the gift.

 

There are other benefits that we see elsewhere in the Scriptures. Giving biblically

  • is a way to love others more than ourselves and consider others as more significant than ourselves (Phil. 2:3-4).
  • frees up pastors to more effectively preach the Gospel and pastor a local church.
  • affirms the great commission in that it allows missionaries to spread the Gospel globally.
  • allows us to grow in remembering priorities. This is not our home, so we place no confidence in the temporary and physical but in the eternal and spiritual. Giving reminds us that riches (and this life) are fleeting (also see Prov. 23:4-5; James 4:14).
  • provides present joy by giving assurance of future glory.
  • grows us in grace and faith as we obey God’s commands.

 

The next time you give, worship God by considering the above spiritual blessings that are yours if you give biblically and in faith.

 

2 Cor. 9:6, 8 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.… And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that having all contentment in all things at all times, you may about in every good work.” May God increase the harvest of your righteousness.