Femi is a college student from Nigeria pursuing his degree here in Columbus. He asked me to mentor him, so we meet weekly to discuss real-life issues within the context of God’s Word. Femi has learned much, and I’d have to say he has influenced me, as well. Take giving, for example. “When it comes to giving and receiving gifts,” my young friend recently shared, “I’m always happy either way, but giving makes me happier—I know I’ve been a blessing to someone.” Femi has experienced what Jesus promised: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”1 Perhaps you have encountered the same. Yet Femi also confessed the tension inherent in giving: “Giving requires grace, because sometimes it is difficult; there are other things you want to do with that money. Giving is not by my strength, but by God’s grace.”
God is gracious by nature, and in lovingkindness He pours out His favor on us, not as our due, but as His gift. He loves to give grace, and we love to receive it. Yet only recently did I come to realize that giving is a form of grace; it is divine favor extended to us. Writing to Corinthian believers, Paul posited the impoverished Macedonians as exemplars of giving. “We want you to know . . . about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 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 Without two denarii to rub together, these humble believers yet prevailed upon the apostles, “begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints.”3 They humble us still today.
So how is giving a form of grace? Our generosity yields Kingdom impact. Paul continues, “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.”4 In our heart of hearts, isn’t this what we want—fruitful lives of meaning? Moreover, God’s grace of giving ultimately returns glory to Him, for those whose needs are met “will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution.”5 This is what happens when we give in grace. Yet maybe giving is for you a growth area, as it is for me. If so, we pray together . . .
Father, transform our minds, that we would see giving not in terms of our temporary worldly loss, but Your eternal Kingdom gain. May we receive Your great grace of giving, and walk in it with wisdom, faith, and joy. Amen.
1 Acts 20:35
2 2 Corinthians 8:1-2
3 2 Corinthians 8:4
4 2 Corinthians 9:8
5 2 Corinthians 9:13
Categories
Paul Nordman—Author 