Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

God’s economy doesn’t always make sense.  It isn’t always ‘logical’ and definitely NOT of this world!

You see, in God’s economy we read things like this: “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything” (Proverbs 11:24).

Also, “Give, and you will receive.  Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.  The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38)

How does that work exactly?  Well, I’m still learning that myself, but God provides sufficiently and sometimes lavishly.

I remember a time early in our marriage when I had changed jobs and our income was reduced by a decent amount.  My wife and I had the decision to make on some of the ‘extra’ giving that we were doing at the time.  Should we continue our giving (taking a leap of faith to trust Him) or should we stop some or even all of that giving? 

Now, let me hit pause and say that I’m not sure there is a ‘right’ or a ‘wrong’ answer here and that you need to be wise in what is realistic for you and your situation.  However, for us – in this situation – God was asking us to continue to give extra and I think He has honored that in several ways.  Honestly, we felt the truth of these verses above ring true, as we really didn’t ‘miss a beat’ as far as income.  I’m not even sure my wife would remember that decision to this day because it seemed like the next step or really, obedience, to us.  (And before you think too highly of me, you can ask my wife about 1,000 other times where I wasn’t as generous.  If you know us, you know that she is truly the generous one!)

Generosity, or generous living, can mean generosity with finances, but it doesn’t end there. Generosity could mean sharing your finances or your resources or your skills or your time. 

We have so much to give! 

One of our church’s values is that “It all belongs to God.”  We believe that because it’s biblical (Psalm 24:1).  And if we truly believe that, then what are we doing about it?  You see, if you own a car and a house, you’re in the top 5% (at least) of the world in terms of wealth!  So, you are already rich, whether you feel it or not!

Now, I don’t want to guilt trip or peer pressure you into giving.  In fact, in today’s reading, Paul is writing to the Corinthians and says NOT to do that, but rather says that you must each decide in your heart how much to give. 

God loves a cheerful giver (vs. 7)!

So, ask yourself this question, “What is God calling me to give?”  Perhaps some of you need to start giving period.  Perhaps some of you need to start tithing.  And perhaps God is calling some of you to give to a specific cause, something extra, or to someone specifically.  I’d challenge you to spend some time talking with Jesus today and asking Him what He’s calling you to give…because He’s already promised that He will provide (vs. 8).

Danny Artrip