A Biblical Mindset for Giving

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Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.  Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.  Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.

 

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  As it is written:

 

“He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”

 

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.  For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!  -  2 Corinthians 9  

 

Tomorrow morning at 6:30, Share 2024 begins here on WBNH!  Every year, we set aside just three short days of our regularly scheduled daytime programs in order to bring the financial needs of the ministry to our listeners.  

 

Today, I want to talk about the cheerful giver.  Knowing that the Bible mentions this more than once, I did a query to find what there is and I found many verses!  But one chapter stood out – Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, Chapter 9.  So, what kind of church was there in the city of Corinth?  I’d say – a tough nut to crack.  All kinds of people lived there, with a mixture of religions, backgrounds and beliefs, coming from their Greek, Roman or Oriental families.  Paul believed they were getting way too cozy to the dominant culture of the day.  Perhaps he could have written this letter to us!

 

With this mindset, I carefully read Chapter 9.  Paul starts by giving credit to the saints, brothers and sisters in Christ, who lived in Corinth.  He tells them that, based on their excellent reputation, they are ready to give!  And he knows that they would want to give, not make donations to the Lord’s work out of obligation.  (vs 1 – 5) Could this be us?

 

Paul goes on to remind us that the one who plants just a few seeds will have a small harvest.  But the one who plants a lot will have a big harvest. (vs 6)  Giving grows out of the heart.  For we know that God loves a cheerful giver and that He will make grace abound.  Yes, God will take care of us! (vs 7-8) Paul mentions that those who give, and those who receive blessings from those who give, all will glorify God!  This reminds me of me!  In our marriage, my wife and I have always tried to be cheerful, generous givers!  And God has indeed blessed us!  It’s truly amazing what He can do with His resources.

 

Remember, everything we own, including (and I’ll just say it!) our money, actually belongs to God. We’re just His stewards.  Think about that this week.  If you enjoy WBNH, how could you support God’s radio ministry?  And how do you think your generosity may influence someone else, especially an unbeliever, in their walk with the Lord?

 

We thank you in advance for joining us this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  And as we thank you for your gifts to this ministry, we, like the apostle Paul, thank God for His indescribable gift! (vs 15)

 

 

Jim Huber
WBNH Station Manager

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