Regrettably, the subject of giving is almost an instinctive taboo in church. Its struggle starts where too many churches have taken wrong approaches, with extremes toward the prosperity gospel with claims that God will bless your giving with an abundance of wealth, or toward a legalistic approach that condemns lesser contributions, or perhaps toward a functional begging that makes giving too central a focus.
Whatever the trigger, there is a tendency to react with silence, avoiding the discomfort of the subject and maintaining a muzzle on this unmentionable subject. But giving is not just a “gimme” tactic to fund the church, nor is it a minor side issue in Christianity. Giving is an area of discipleship with a very tangible, practical, touchable object that confronts us with the decision to both trust and follow Jesus. Even more so, giving is itself at the heart of the gospel, and therefore at the heart of our response to that gospel.
What do we have that is not God’s? The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein (Psalm 24:1). We are born with nothing (Job 1:21), and He gives us life itself, needing nothing from us (Acts 17:25). Understanding that we are fiduciaries, or guardians, of God’s life, wealth, and resources, reminds us that we are to be faithful stewards of all that He has entrusted to us, whether money or possessions, time, energy, or even abilities.
What is that good news that has forever changed our lives? For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). That is, that Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). The giving of Himself was an offering on our behalf to cancel our debt of sin. He gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father (Galatians 1:4). The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:14).
This is the heart of our generous God, who so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16), from whom comes every good gift and every perfect gift (James 1:17).
This gospel was unattainable by any of us! We were hopeless apart from receiving that which God would give: salvation, our eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The echoing of the word “grace” also refers to a special giving that is utterly undeserved! The repeated theme of Jesus giving Himself must not be missed! For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace (John 1:16). God’s gracious gift of His Son Jesus is the basis of confidence in ongoing promise as well: He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32). Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
Turn your eyes upon Jesus!
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace!