Attend your annual general meeting (AGM) to learn more, and pay attention to regular reports about the impact of church spending within the body, in the local community, and globally.Ģ. Maybe you’ll feel better when you understand how much prayer has gone into the church’s financial decisions. Here are some ideas to help you open your wallet and your heart simultaneously.ġ.
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You want to learn how to give without grumbling. Yet, because you’re reading this, you must want to make a change. Or, perhaps the issue is plain greed and rebellion: you know what God wants from you and it feels like punishment. Maybe you worship God but forget his power and trustworthiness. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Fokusiert 5 Biblical Ideas for Cheerful Giving We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” The purpose of this suffering, in Paul’s words, was to learn to rely wholly on God “who raises the dead.” (1:5-9) God raised his Son from the dead he can be trusted with their money. Paul’s letter followed “the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia.
Paul encouraged Christians to distribute everything they had amongst themselves so that no one went without physical, emotional, or spiritual support. The church was created to share every burden and reward. He sets up the theme of sharing all things, whether emotional or physical. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. When he encouraged the church at Corinth (or any church for that matter) to do something, he had already set the example, both in deed and in heart.įor just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. Paul knew what luxury looked like from his time as a leading Pharisee he also knew what it felt like to give up wealth and privilege. He relied on the grace of God and the generosity of strangers. People fed him and gave him somewhere to sleep-or they didn’t. He possessed nothing except whatever he wore on his back and the sandals on his feet.
The Lord had graciously revealed himself in a special way, setting Paul on an anointed path. Who Wrote This Encouragement for Generosity? This act of generous obedience was supposed to feel good and bring joy. Believers were told to do this to please God and serve each other. Money, food, and other essentials were to be distributed by the church leadership where it was needed. Paul is telling believers at Corinth to give resources to the church not with a bad temper but a genuine smile.
That feels good, right? Maybe you write a check, or perhaps you give food, clothes, time, or expertise. Usually, spending money isn’t fun unless we’re buying chocolate or books, but sometimes we spend money for a purpose. Why is God so concerned about how we feel when we hand over our resources? What Does it Mean to Be a Cheerful Giver?Īn act done “cheerfully” is done with a happy heart. Giving is not always easy, but God wants us to give and to do it happily. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver.
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