Paul begins 2 Corinthians 8 by describing the heart of the Macedonians who, even though suffering great affliction for their faith, rejoiced in their trials.  Even though they lived in extreme poverty, they willingly gave beyond their means.

“…for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” (2 Cor. 8:2 ESV)

The underlying basis for their genuine love, joy and generosity is revealed in the succinct summary of the Gospel found in verse 9.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich. (2 Cor. 8:9 ESV)

In chapter 9 Paul addresses the Corinthians with an agricultural parallel since the principle holds true in both the natural and spiritual worlds.

” 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.” (2 Cor. 9:6-7, ESV)

The Apostle Paul says something quite extraordinary here: that God loves a cheerful giver.  He’s quoting from a Greek translation of one of the Hebrew Psalms that goes something like this: “God blesses the cheerful giver.” But what Paul is emphasizing is that God delights in those who delight to give to Him, and it’s really quite an amazing assertion – that God the Lord, our Creator, takes a special pleasure, has a special joy in, receives great delight in our delighting in giving to Him.

And the Apostle Paul is of course encouraging the Corinthians to have this attitude as they give to the relief of poor Christians back in Palestine who are in need. He wants them to do this because they have purposed to do this in their hearts. He wants them to do this not because they feel compelled by Him to do it – “Oh, we’ve got to do this because Paul asked us to do this…” – he doesn’t want them to do this grudgingly – “Well, Lord, I’m going to have to give of my hard-earned money to help those ne’er-do-wells in Jerusalem who never can seem to meet their budget.”  He wants them to do this cheerfully, with merry hearts delighting that they have the opportunity to give.

Paul ends chapter 9 by affirming the underlying Gospel basis for giving. Referring to the saints in Jerusalem, he writes:

“For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for His inexpressible (Gospel) gift! (2 Cor. 9:12-15 ESV)

Since we began the work at Living Water Community Church nearly 11 years ago, many have asked why we don’t take an offering and, instead, have offering boxes in the rear of the sanctuary. A few years ago, Pastor Jeff wrote a Streams of Grace article titled “Planned, Not Prompted Giving: Avoiding the ‘Polite Stick-up.’” in answer to that question.

We want to encourage all believers to give cheerfully, sacrificially and generously as “each has decided in his heart” (2 Cor. 9:7 ESV). May your giving be one reflection of gospel gratitude and surrender. Having been made rich because of Christ’s poverty – may we eagerly and happily give as we see great needs inside and outside the church.

As a convenience, we have included a “Donate” button to provide the option for giving on-line.