Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. (Philippians 4:14-17, NKJV).
The Apostle Paul was a low-maintenance missionary and ministry leader. If he wasn't able to be receive support from the various fledgling churches he planted, then he happily supported himself by working as a craftsman. But when he did receive financial aid, he was thrilled and grateful for two primary reasons.
First, it enabled him to focus exclusively on his tireless work of the ministry. This benefited the cities, towns and people he went to, not just temporally, but eternally. How much did Paul's indefatigable commitment to the gospel increase the population of Heaven? Innumerably. He was, after all, responsible for establishing the written (and therefore objective and preservable) foundation of the one true faith, as inspired by the Spirit of Christ Himself. AND he was the founder of the majority of 1st Century churches that we know about. Those of us in the family of God by faith today, are still beneficiaries of his work two millennia later.
Secondly, he rejoiced that such selfless giving redounded a hundred-fold to the generous givers, writing often of how it was credited to their spiritual account. He never ceased to commend the churches under his authority and care for providing support for the work of the ministry. It is utterly worthless to merely wish someone to be well or fed. Don't bother to flap your mouth unless you are willing to back it up with meaningful action.
Giving can be a hot-button issue today, and rightly so. There are gospelizers galore out there who are in it for the money. They preach Christ for profit, and although God still uses the truth of the message for His sovereign purposes, those who are base purveyors of the Christian religion are doomed to double judgment. God is not mocked. If, as a believer you feel that your are being manipulated or "guilted" into giving, you probably are, and your response should be to turn away from such extortioners.
Know that when God places it on the heart of one of His children to give generously to someone in need, or to support solid, Biblically-grounded missionary, or other godly work, He does NOT use guilt, but joy. He does not use threats nor high-pressure sales techniques, but He most often speaks softly with that still small voice within. Yes, we are exhorted in Scripture to give tithes and offerings, for God loves a cheerful giver. It is very likely that our faithful local fellowship is quite dependent on our regular giving, BUT our compliance is not out of obligation, but gratitude. Or, it should be.
And yes, sometimes generous giving is scary. If, beloved, you are suddenly assailed with an attack of the "what if's" when confronted with the opportunity and means to give of your treasure, do not be surprised. But also, do not let the schemes of the enemy, or your own insecurity, defeat you. You cannot out give God. Sometimes it is good if, in the marriage relationship, the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing in terms of charity. Let one or the other spouse (ideally, the one possessing the appropriate Spiritual Gift of liberality), suggest the recipients and amounts. Of course, the husband is ultimately accountable, so men do not give in to the temptation of taking the easy way out. Stand for and DO what is right, even if it costs you dearly.
And remember too, that if you are a well-taught believer, you know that what you have isn't really yours at all. It is God's, and you are merely His steward. Therefore, be a good one, knowing that your real reward is in Heaven.
There are several common doctrinal (and therefore real life and practical) mistakes often made in regard to giving. Some people wrongly believe that they must give in order to be saved. That is simply not true. How much did the thief on the Cross give to charity before his life ended? Others hold that by giving, they obligate God to bless them. This is the quintessential Let's Make a Deal theology. None of us are in any position to bargain with the Father. Thinking otherwise is either sheer folly or hubris. Lastly, many think that by giving, they are somehow earning extra credit, buying special dispensation, or in some other way hedging their bets. Ridiculous. Even if we gave all we had, we are simply returning to God that which He was gracious enough to provide us in the first place.
The real motivation for giving is love. The real motivation is faith. The real motivation is a humble acknowledgment that we are completely dependent on the Giver of all good gifts. And know this, the Bible teaches that there is an equation of grace involved, namely, the principle of sowing and reaping. You WILL reap what you sow. If you sow to your flesh, you will reap death. If you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life. Again, you cannot out give the Father. What you receive in return for faithful charity may not be anything that you expect or anticipate. And the return may not certainly be in kind, or even in this life. But God rewards those who diligently seek and serve Him, for great is your reward for even providing a drink of water in His name.
Finally, no matter what words your local fellowship may use, the Body of Christ does not take your offering. It receives it. The distinction is subtle, but important. Think of it this way. When something is taken, there is no necessary precondition that the something is freely given. After all, governments can take your taxes, thieves can take your goods, and a murderer can take take your life, just as easily as someone can take your proffered gift.
But something that is received can only be given. If the something is received, it must necessarily have been freely offered, else words have no meaning. In reality, it is like love, or faith, or respect. These virtues can only be received. They can never be taken.
Remember that, beloved, the next time God gives you the opportunity and leading to share of your time or money or hospitality.
