A GRACE CALLED GIVING

2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

A Call to Generous Giving

1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.


We are entering the season of the year when we will be asked, over and over, to give. The Apostle Paul has given us some guidance for this topic.

Paul praised this church who gave in support of his missionary work. They gave when times were difficult for them and they would have had a good excuse not to.

They gave according to God’s will … first to the Lord (their tithe) … and then to Paul (their offering). Offerings start when the tithe has first been given.

They gave joyfully … they gave out of free will … they counted giving as a privilege … they excelled in the grace called giving.

And so should we!