A Christian's Giving Under Grace Principles

   In the dispensation of grace in which we live, one of the great privileges of each believer is Christian giving. It is one of the spiritual sacrifices we may offer up to God (Hebrews 13:15,16; Romans 12:1,2). In the Old Testament, some of the Jews' sacrifices were bloody while we, as New Testament priests, offer non-bloody sacrifices to God (1 Peter 2:5,9). The Jews, under the Mosaic Law, were also required to tithe 23% (Numbers 18:20-32; Deuteronomy 14:23-29) and pay taxes too.
   "Tithing under the [Mosaic] law was mandatory, giving under grace is voluntary." Dr. M.R. DeHaan

Guidelines For Giving

   l. It is to be exercised in a spiritual manner, preceded by the giving of self (Romans 12:1,2), as exemplified by (a) the Macedonian believers, who "…first gave of themselves to the Lord…see that you abound in this grace also…." (2 Corinthians 8:5,7), (b) the Lord Himself (2 Corinthians 8:9), and (c) God the Father (2 Corinthians 9:15).
   2. It is to be done voluntarily and cheerfully. "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
   3. It is to be performed with regularity. "On the first day of the week let each of you lay something aside… (1 Corinthians 16:2).
   4. It is to involve every person. "…let each one of you lay aside…"
(1 Corinthians 16:2).
   5. It is to be rendered on a proportionate basis. "…as he may prosper…"
(1 Corinthians 16:2).

   God has promised to reward those whose lives are marked by sacrificial devotion to Him and His work. "…He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
(2 Corinthians 9:6).

   Someone has said, "Under grace, God doesn't look at the amount on the face of the check, but on the balance left on the tab." The man who makes $50,000 and gives 50% to the Lord still has far more left than the widow who gives 10% out of her meager allowance of $300 a month." Grace teaches us that our giving is not a legal obligation, but is a blessed privilege and becomes a measure of our love for God.

Some Additional Thoughts

What our giving does:

   1. It brings honor to God Who blessed us with all physical and spiritual blessings.
   2. It expresses our gratitude to Him.
   3. It brings spiritual joy.
   4. It helps meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of people everywhere.
   5. It will demonstrate our faith in God's ability to provide for us in the future.

Motives And Rewards

   Only when one gives with a proper motive is it pleasing to God. The primary motive for giving should be the glory of God (2 Corinthians 8:19; 1 Corinthians 10:31). The second motive is for the welfare of others, especially believers (Galatians 6:6-10).
   Our giving should be made with (1) forethought (2 Corinthians 9:7), (2) regularity (1 Corinthians 16:2), (3) priority to the local church where one is fed spiritually (Galatians 6:6-10; 1 Timothy 5:17,18), and (4) the Holy Spirit's leading (Romans 8:14).
   Divine compensation for faithful stewardship doesn't guarantee financial prosperity or robust health. But one can have true joy, peace, satisfaction, and hope which money can't buy. God's compensation plan is "out of this world." (See Romans 8:18)

   For more information consult "As The Ushers Come Forward" by Herbert VanderLugt and "The Grace Of Giving" by Richard DeHaan. (Some of the information in this article was adapted from these publications.)

Compiled by Kelsey Pietsch with W.B.H.M.
www.kelseypeach.com kelseypeach@juno.com