Grace Giving

WHAT IS GRACE GIVING?

Usually, in discussions on tithing and giving, grace givers have been discussing why the tithe is not commanded to Christians. I realized that this was a negative approach on the subject, and bound to be misunderstood, as those who take the tithing position think that they are "being attacked" and accordingly go into defensive measures.

Instead of that approach, I thought it much wiser to state what we who call ourselves "grace givers" believe about giving. For starters, it is best to let the Bible speak for itself on the question: How did the New Testament church give?

Let us apply ourselves into diligently answering the question by observing certain things from pertinent passages in Scripture:

1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. 6So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

10And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

13Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, 15as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." (2 Corinthians 8:1-15)

1There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. 2For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. 3But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. 5So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written:

"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever."

10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:1-15)

1Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 4If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me. (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)

Some principles that can be gleaned from the passages given earlier:

1. The believers gave themselves first to the Lord.
2. They gave generously.
3. They gave beyond what they were able, and, in fact, Paul seemed to discourage them, and yet they pleaded to be allowed to give.
4. They gave with no regard for the traditional animosity between Jews and Gentiles (Generosity is cross-cultural!)
5. They gave willingly.
6. They gave according to their ability and desire, with no external compulsion.
7. They gave systematically (in terms of frequency, with no amount or percentage prescribed).
8. They gave as part of their worship to God.
9. They gave to address the needs of the church.

"Your giving is a reflection of how well you know God. Your giving is an outflow of your relationship with god. The more you know Him, the more you will want to give. Give yourselves 100% first to the Lord." - Ptr. Alvin Rival of GCF Cebu (paraphrased)

That's basically what giving means to the "grace giving" school. You cannot outgive God. Focus on your God: who He is and what He is, and remember what He has done for you. Give yourself first to Him. After that, you won't nitpick with percentages anymore.