But as you abound in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us-see that you abound in this grace also.

~2 Corinthians 8:7 NKJV

Even though we were still seeing the effects of the pandemic into June of 2021, people who live in the United States of America are among the wealthiest in the world.

According to Wise Counsel Wealth.com, we have a 95% advantage over most of the world just by being an American citizen. Most of us do not go to bed hungry, or worry about where we will sleep. We have a homeless population over 552,000, however resources are available to most of them.

During the pandemic, good people practiced giving principles outlined by Paul. People provided help to their neighbors. Churches distributed food and supplies. Giving was of greater importance during this crisis, and many Christians recognized they had a part to play in meeting needs.

So, what are these giving principles? We find them outlined in 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 14-15 and 2 Corinthians 9:7. Grace has much to do with giving. In fact, Paul uses the terms “grace,” and “giving” as synonyms. He urges the Corinthians to help the churches of Macedonia, suggesting they give whenever they can. Proverbs 11:25 NKJV echoes Paul’s sentiments, “The generous soul will be made rich and he who waters will also be watered himself.”

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.

~2 Corinthians 9:6-9 NIV

Do you want to be blessed extravagantly? Try applying the giving principles of God’s Word. He wants to bless us, but He examines the intentions of our heart. Jesus told the disciples their giving must be sacrificial if their giving is to please God. As we bless others, often the Lord blesses us. Whether we give a little or a lot, and whether we give money, time, or talent, our gracious Father is looking at our hearts and He blesses us accordingly. Are we a cheerful giver? Or do we grumble? Do we give with a grateful heart? Or do we give grudgingly? God notices.

We find a story that outlines this principle in Luke 21:1-4 NKJV, “And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So, He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” This widow loved and trusted God enough that she was willing to give all that she had. I am certain God honored her, and provided for her needs. Jesus took notice of her, and she became a role model for her community, demonstrating what giving with a whole heart looks like.

Friend, are you willing to put these giving principles into action and then trust God to provide your needs as well? The Lord will provide for your needs especially as you consider the needs of others. Be like the widow woman who gave extravagantly. You will be happy you risked doing so.

Share a time you gave with a grateful heart, trusting God to provide for you as well.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I can never out-give You. Enable me to give freely, with thanksgiving in my heart for all that You have provided, for You have promised I will have more than enough as I honor the giving principles found in Your Word. 

In Jesus’ name. Amen

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Giving Principles from the Word: Glenda Shouse: All Rights Reserved