2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-5
In elementary school, we learned how to subtract: Take away, and you have less than when you started. Contrary to the laws of mathematics, God tells us that when we give, we’ll receive even more in return. “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38).
God’s design for giving requires that we depend on His revelation, not our own reason. Logic tells us to check the bank account before deciding how much to offer. The Bible, however, states that all wealth belongs to the Lord and we’re to give back to Him the first fruits of our labor (Deut. 10:14; Deut. 18:4-5). When we obey, we trust Him to provide and care for us—which sometimes means that we choose to ignore what makes sense, humanly speaking. God doesn’t always provide in the manner we expect or hope. Instead, He satisfies our needs and blesses in the way He knows will truly be best for us.
When facing financial hardship, we can be tempted to justify hoarding our resources. But God, understanding the situation perfectly, requires us to give not simply out of our surplus but also out of our need. The Macedonian church, for example, gave generously even while they were experiencing affliction (2 Cor. 8:2). This was pleasing to the Lord because they were giving in faith.
Ask God what He’d like you to give to Him. Pray for the courage to obey. Then eagerly await His blessings.
