The Gospel and Giving

We should not give out of a misguided legalism, thinking that this action somehow earns us God’s favor. Nor should we give out of a Pharisaic self-righteousness, assuming that this practice of piety puts God in our debt. And neither should we treat giving as a means to manipulate God to bless us with more material wealth, as prosperity theology encourages. No, the reasons and motivations for our giving should be shaped by the gospel that we profess to have shaped us.

So, here are five ways that giving is shaped by the gospel. These are by no means exhaustive, but I would encourage you to think over these ways and reflect on them as you give.

1. We give gladly because we are grateful for what God has graciously given to us in and through the gospel.
   


2. We give faithfully because we trust God to meet our needs, which the gospel assures He will do.
   


3. We give sacrificially because in doing so we reflect the sacrificial giving of God in the gospel.


4. We give generously because the gospel has changed us from lovers of self and lovers of money into lovers of God and lovers of people.
   


5. We give intentionally because we desire to see the gospel made known to all peoples.

Brothers and sisters, let us never forget that we are receivers long before we are givers. And reflecting on how much God has given to us through Christ should cause gratitude in our hearts, which should overflow into cheerful, faithful, sacrificial, generous, and intentional giving.

A giving heart is a grateful heart – it really is as simple as that. If you’re glad in Christ, you’ll give to Christ and for Christ. And if you rightly understand the gospel, how could you not be glad in Christ?