The Principles of Grace Giving

[Biblical principles taken directly from God's Word in the New Testament books of 2 Corinthians 8 and 9]

Principle #1 (8:1-4) - Outward circumstances and difficulties should not inhibit generosity in giving.
*The Macedonian churches were not giving out of their abundance; rather, they were giving generously out of their poverty.
*They gave, not because they had to give, but because they wanted to give.
*Their giving far exceeded their financial ability.
*They viewed this special offering as a privilege, not as an obligation.
*Giving is viewed as a Christian “grace.”
*Joy and generosity are twins - they accompany one another.

Principle #2 (8:5) - All financial giving should be preceeded by self-giving.
*They first gave themselves to the Lord.

Principle #3 (8:6, 7) - Believers should seek to excel in the grace of giving.

Principle #4 (8:6, 10, 11; 9:5) - Worthy stewardship goals should be brought to completion.
*Finish what you begin.
*In spiritual things, there is value in completing what you start.

Principle #5 (8:8, 9, 24) - Generous giving gives evidence of one’s sincerity of one’s love
*One’s motivation for giving should always be love for the Savior and the saints.

Principle #6 (8:8, 9) - There is a connecting link between “the grace of God” and the “grace of giving.”
*The grace of God becomes the supreme motivating factor in true Christian stewardship.
*Our giving should be rooted in His giving.

Principle #7 (8:12) - A willingness to give is more important than the amount given.

Principle #8 (8:13-15) - In the economy of God, the sufficiency of some ministers is for the deficiency of others.

Principle #9 (8:16-21) - The expenditure of God’s money should be done judiciously.
*To honor the Lord
*To do vital ministry
*To avoid any type of criticism.

Principle #10 (9:1-2) - Generous, spiritual giving will have a positive influence on other’s giving.

Principle #11 (9:5-7) - The attitude in which a gift is given is of utmost importance to God- give cheerfully and willingly, not grudgingly.

Principle #12 (9:8-11) - Generosity moves the heart of God to supply more seed and meet all needs.
*All grace
*Always
*All sufficiency
*All things

Principle #13 (9:11-14) - Generosity will result in praise and thanksgiving to God.

Principle #14 (9:15) - Generous giving is the natural response to God’s indescribable gift.

Galatians 4:16 "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"