2 Corinthians 8:1-9:6

An Offering for the Poor

John 3:16 is called the Golden Text of the Bible and it starts out by saying, “For God so loved the world that He gave...” Giving is as much a part of the real Christian life as prayer and worship and...breathing.

In this passage we see a situation where a special offering (not to be confused with the tithe) is being collected to help saints in a distressed area. Here are three things we can take from this example:

• “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.” From our cultural perspective giving can mistakenly appear to be a one way street. This is not so. We think of ourselves as always being the ones in a position to give, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The occasion may arise when we are in need. It is God’s will that each of us should both supply the needs of others and have our needs supplied by others. Get over it.

• “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” I am so thankful at our church to be surrounded by capable trustworthy leaders who know how to handle money in such a way as to be transparent and accountable. So often in the church you find those who simply lack the knowledge to comply with the myriad of requirements and at other times you find leaders who are intentionally evasive in money matters. The first group simply need help. The second group bring dishonor to the cause of Christ.

• Plan. For many Christians the giving of offerings is akin to making an impulse buy in the check out line. If the appeal hits just right and they are in the right mood maybe they will give something. Maybe they will give a lot! That is likely better than never giving at all but it does not compare to the power and joy of giving intentional offerings that have actually been (hold on now) planned. What a concept. I have to believe that God didn’t just look up one day and get this idea about sending His Son to die for us. It was planned.