Give As You Have Decided In Your Heart
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” II Corinthians 9:6-8.
There are a number of principles that the Bible gives us about our financial stewardship. Several are found in Paul’s words in II Corinthians 9. A first is that no one should give under compulsion. Christian churches do not assess their members. There are no fees for being a member of Christ’s church. All giving is voluntary. So no one should feel pressure to do something he or she does not wish to do.
Why is this? The scriptures are clear that God does not want grudging service. He wants our love and affection. He wants us to serve him because we wish to do so. This includes any financial giving. God does not “tax” his people. Instead, he offers them the opportunity to serve him through their giving. This does not mean that stewardship is a matter of indifference, however. Jesus himself said that our hearts will be where our treasure is. To return to God a portion of what he has given to us is appropriate gratitude to God and good for us. It serves God and helps us keep our hearts aligned with his purposes.
A second principle in II Corinthians 9 is that we should sow bountifully if we wish a bountiful result. Paul used a farming illustration. A farmer who did not throw out much seed could not expect an abundant harvest. It took intentional and plentiful sowing to reap a bountiful harvest. Paul used this as a lesson about our giving. If we only give sparingly, we cannot expect a rich return. What return did Paul mean? He does not say, but God is certainly able to provide many blessings of all sorts.
A third principle is that God is able to provide for us all that we need. Paul says that God is able to make his grace abound toward us in such a way that we have enough for ourselves and enough for other good works. Here is a promise about God’s provision. If we are faithful, work hard, and trust God, he will provide for us. This does not mean we will always live in luxury, but rather that he will give us our daily bread and other needs. It also is the promise that we will have some to share with others. In fact, says Paul, we will be able to help with “every good work.” That is, God’s grace will be so abundant that we will be able to contribute to many good things, both in our material blessings and other gifts as well.
Stewardship season gives us the opportunity to “decide in our heart” what we will do for the coming year. It is good to wrestle prayerfully with the decision. Once we discern God’s leading, we simply follow through. My prayer is that your financial stewardship will be something that will give you confidence in your faith, help you lay up treasure in heaven, and be a source of joy. May God make us cheerful and grateful in this area of Christian discipleship.