Learning To Be A Cheerful Giver

2. Let our giving be personal and rooted in our love for one another because of Christ.

a. You and I need to have a concern for the poor…because of our relationship with Christ. I can come up with a lot of verses in the Bible that remind the Christian of his responsibility to alleviate the suffering of the poor. it is possible to give without loving, as we find in I Corinthians 13:3: “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor . . . and have not charity [love], it profiteth me nothing” (I Corinthians 13:3). On the other hand, God’s example demonstrates that the presence of genuine love motivates giving: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). When you genuinely love someone, you will give to meet his or her needs—without the motive of personal reward. The love in your heart is even more important than the gift in your hands; it gives meaning to your actions and strengthens your relationships.

b. Illust: Let me give you an example of a special offering many of you were involved just last week. GNBC purchased, packed, and sent by post, around 100 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Each shoebox had pencils or dolls or soccer balls or clothes or… Estimate $25-50 per shoe box.. some even more. For some of us that was easy. For some it was challenging. For some it was a hardship. However, it was a free will offering to bless a child on the other side of the world who you will probably never meet, unless in heaven. Why did we collectively spend $3000-5000+/- to do this? Emma and Anne Marie intimidated you? NO! Because you are generous because of what Christ has done in your heart and want to share that blessing.

C. Applic: As believers in Christ we need to open our hearts and our wallets when God directs us.

II. 2nd Warning Light: Conviction Check: “Am I Giving What I believe God Wants Me to Give?”

“as he has decided in his heart.”

A. Notice the Condition under which Paul validates the call to give.

1. Notice the important distinction Paul makes in this portion of the verse. Notice in this passage: As Paul seeks to motivate the Corinthian Church to fulfill its pledge to give to the collection for the needy saints in Jerusalem, he seeks to balance two concerns. One: he says that God’s acceptance of the gift depends not on the amount given but on the readiness to give (II Cor. 8:11-12). In other words, a small amount given from the heart with sincerity and love is better than a large amount given reluctantly. 2nd: he also teaches that it really is a good thing to be generous. In fact, a bountiful gift will lead to bountiful blessings for the giver. (II Cor. 9:6) (Table Talk, 11-3-21).

2. Giving is to be a special act rooted in a personal conviction. “as he has decided in his heart” - The verb, which does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament, is used in its full ethical significance as indicating, not a passing impulse nor a vague wish, but a deliberate resolve. (Whether everyone is or no one else is.)