giving

Money is one of those touchy topics, but I think Christians need to feel free to challenge each other about appropriate uses for wealth. I say that because Paul really held the early churches accountable for giving.

This morning, in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, I ready a lengthy passage Paul wrote on just this topic.  He starts out with this challenge (8:7): “But since you excel in everything —in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 

Two things struck me right away. First, Paul seems to value giving just as highly as he does faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness and love. Second, he calls giving grace, which not only notes that it will likely go where it’s not deserved, but echoes the great gift of our salvation, the ultimate gift of grace.

Then, a little later on, he addresses one of the main points of resistance to giving, then and now. In 8:13, he writes, “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.” I admit, I cringe at this a little, because it smacks of things we hang negative labels on, like socialism. But it’s possible that Jesus might think more highly of socialism than I do. I’m pretty sure I think too highly of things like personal wealth and advantage.

Paul ends with this promise, which I love, in 9:11: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” Isn’t that great? As an outcome of generous giving, we’ll be enriched in every way, but with a specific purpose: so that we can be generous every time there’s a chance. And there’s a good reason for wanting to do this. The result will be that all those people we give to will give thanks to God.

It’s a reminder that God blesses me not just for my good, but so that I can bless others. It makes me feel like a grumpy old curmudgeon when I critically judge people who need some of my blessing, especially when the government doesn’t give me a choice about who I give to. 

So here’s another goal to add to my list of things that will make me more Christ-like: I want to excel in the grace of giving. If I’m getting Paul right, that means that I’ll look at my wealth as something given to me to use as much for others as myself. And I’ll give it where there’s need without considering whether there’s merit. After all, isn’t that how Jesus gives to me?