5 valuable lessons from Paul on the benefits of giving
Make an impact on the effectiveness of a church in reaching the local community and in the outside world. Our tithes and offerings can turn into rich blessings for others.
Even though I learned this truth early in my Christian walk, I must admit it took me a while to agree to do so. Studying what the apostle Paul wrote in his letters opened my eyes to the potential benefits of giving for all involved.
Paul urged his readers to make giving a natural and regular part of their Christian walk. He saw it as a way for believers to care for each other and to remain united in purpose. Not only that, Paul understood the importance that the righteous gift has for the future of a Christian. Jesus' teachings, like this one from Luke, were never far from his thoughts:
'Don't be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your goods and give them to the poor. Provide yourself with bags that won't wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Because where your treasure is, there will your heart be too. (Luke 12: 32-34)
Paul's inspiration to be a generous donor
Paul elevated Jesus' life and ministry as the ultimate example of giving.
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, yet because of you he became poor, so that through his poverty you could become rich." (2 Corinthians 8: 9)
Paul wanted his readers to understand Jesus' motives for giving:
His love for God and for us
His compassion for our needs
His desire to share what he has
The Apostle hoped that by seeing this model believers would feel inspired like him to view giving not as a burden, but as an opportunity to become more Christlike. Paul's letters have shaped what it means to "live to give".
From him I learned five important lessons that changed my attitudes and actions towards giving.
Lesson n. 1: God's blessings prepare us to give to others
It is said that we should be streams of blessing, not reservoirs. To be a better donor, it helps to remember how much we already have. Paul's wish was for us to raise thanks to God, then ask him if there is anything he wants us to give him. This helps meet a need and prevents us from clinging too tightly to our possessions.
"... and God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in everything at every moment, having everything you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9: 8)
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to place their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to place their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, be rich in good deeds and be generous and willing to share “. (1 Timothy 6: 17-18)
“Now he who supplies the seed to the sower and the bread for food will also supply and increase your seed supply and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your generosity will translate into thanksgiving to God “. (Corinthians 9: 10-11)
Lesson n. 2: the act of giving is more important than the amount
Jesus praised the poor widow who gave a small offering to the church treasury, because she gave what little she had. Paul asks us to let regular giving become one of our "holy habits," whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in. The important thing is to decide to do what we can, when we can.
So we can see how God multiplies our gift.
“In the midst of a very hard trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty sprang into a rich generosity. I testify that they have given all they could, and even beyond their capacity ”. (2 Corinthians 8: 2-3)
"On the first day of each week, each of you should set aside an amount of money appropriate to your income, putting it aside, so that when I come you will not have to make any collections." (1 Corinthians 16: 2)
"Because if there is availability, the gift is acceptable based on what you have, not based on what you don't have." (2 Corinthians 8:12)
Lesson n. 3: Having the right attitude about giving things to God
Preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote: "Giving is true love". Paul felt happy to offer his entire life to serve others physically and spiritually and reminds us that tithing should come from a humble and hopeful heart. Our tolls are not to be guided by guilt, attention seeking or any other reason, but by the true desire to show God's mercy.
"Each of you should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under duress, because God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9: 7)
"If it is to give, then give generously ..." (Romans 12: 8)
"If I give all I have to the poor and give my body to the difficulties I can boast of, but I have no love, I gain nothing". (1 Corinthians 13: 3)
Lesson n. 4: The habit of giving changes us for the better
Paul had seen the transformative effect tithing had on believers who prioritized giving. If we sincerely give to His causes, God will do a wondrous work in our hearts as He minister around us.
We will become more God-centered.
… In all that I have done, I have shown you that with this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus Himself said: “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. (Acts 20:35)
We will continue to grow in empathy and mercy.
“But since you excel in everything - in the face, in speaking, in knowledge, in incomplete seriousness and in the love we have kindled in you - you see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I do not command you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the seriousness of others “. (2 Corinthians 8: 7)
We will be content with what we have.
“Because the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have strayed from the faith and have stabbed themselves with many pains ”. (1 Timothy 6:10)
Lesson n. 5: Giving should be an ongoing activity
Over time, giving can become a way of life for individuals and congregations. Paul sought to keep his young churches strong in this vital work by acknowledging, encouraging, and challenging them.
If we pray, God will enable us to endure despite fatigue or discouragement until giving is a source of joy, whether or not we see the results.
“Last year you were the first not only to give, but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the job, so that your desire to do can be combined with your completion ... "(2 Corinthians 8: 10-11)
“Let us not tire of doing good, because we ask for the opportune time to harvest the harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, if we have the opportunity, we do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family. of believers ". (Galatians 6: 9-10)
"... we should keep remembering the poor, the very thing I always wanted to do." (Galatians 2:10)
The first few times I read Paul's travels, I was put off by all the hardships he had to endure. I wondered how contentment could be found in giving so much. But now I see clearly how much his desire to follow Jesus forced him to "pour out". I hope I can take on his generous spirit and joyful heart in my own way. I hope so for you too.
“Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. " (Romans 12:13)