An Act of Faith & Joy
8/6/25 Bible Thought (2 Corinthians 9)
Giving is an act of faith that should be done with joy.
After introducing the topic of giving in the previous chapter, the apostle Paul continues to share regarding the collection for the relief of the saints in Jerusalem in 2 Corinthians 9.
With this, he teaches us a few principles on giving that can apply to all Christians at all times.
First, the apostle Paul shows that giving should be done in proportion to what one has decided (2 Cor. 9:7). That is, no one should give under compulsion.
We should not feel obligated to give in an unhealthy sense—although we should give—rather, we should feel privileged to contribute to the work of God. As we saw yesterday, giving is an act of grace whereby God uses His people to help others and to meet needs.
As such, giving should be done not begrudgingly, but happily:
“for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7b).
I can personally testify that giving is the most fun I have had with money. Truly, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b).
In my family we budget our monthly finances. Beyond giving back to the church, we also have a line-item for other opportunities to give when they arise. Now, I do not say this to be flashy by any means, and we do our best not to let the left hand know what the right hand is doing (see Matt. 6:3). I simply want to point out that I will never preach for others to do what I do not do myself.
Secondly, the apostle shows us that giving is an act of faith. He points out:
“He [God] who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness” (2 Cor. 9:10).
If God cares for the farmer who casts seed and reaps a harvest, then certainly He will take care of you with what is left after you give. Furthermore, you will have the added benefit of personal growth in godliness as you stand up to one of the greatest idols of our day—money.
Now, this isn’t some prosperity gospel that you’ll hit the lottery if you are generous with others. Likewise, it does not guarantee that if you put money in the church offering plate you will find a 100-dollar bill in the parking lot after the service.
Yet, God is presented as a providing God. He is a God who cares for us and meets our needs.
As the apostle Paul encouraged in another place in response to giving:
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).
Likewise, the Lord Jesus taught that we ought not be anxious about our natural provision (see Matt. 6:25-34).
God cares for the creatures in His creation, from the birds of the air to the lily of the valley, and certainly He cares for us as the crown of His creation, those made in His image.
So, perhaps, we ought to step out in generosity when we see a need. God will use these opportunities to grow us, to help others, and He will provide with what is left over.
Do we trust Him enough to be generous?