Generosity and thanksgiving are twin gifts the Lord Jesus gives unto his church. He breaks us from the chains of selfish ambition, as we give generously to his cause. He also delivers us from shameful begging, whereby we look to men to supply our needs. Thank him for the wondrous gift: he worked it in you.

First, no one can tell us how much to give: no one has the right. 2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." We are not under law or tithe. We give according as we’ve been blessed, cheerfully, because we love Christ. We don’t give to get, and we don’t give because of high pressure tactics. We give because of the love of Christ, the need of the saints, and God’s promise to provide for us. 2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

If we give this way, then we please God. If not, then it is a waste - it is greed, covetousness, and compulsion. It is a dirty deed masquerading as grace, and it is unacceptable. Paul, as a faithful steward, teaches us about our motive. I’d rather give a dollar in generosity than two in greed. 2 Corinthians 9:6 - "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly [from stingy motives] will also reap sparingly [no blessing of the Spirit], and whoever sows bountifully [generously by faith, because of God’s love and promises] will also reap bountifully [the Spirit will minister peace]." I’d rather serve Christ from my heart than because people are watching.

What motivates you? Why do you give? He is not saying that we shouldn’t give: he doesn’t let us off the hook. He says, “Give,” but he also says, “how.”

Secondly, God will remember and take care of us. 2 Corinthians 9:9 - "As it is written, ‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’" God’s not blind to our good deeds. If we give because we love him, purposing in our heart by prayer and diligence, then he’ll give us all that we need to keep on giving.

Don’t be fearful. Many don’t give because the rainy day is always in their minds. If we give because we love people, love the gospel, and believe in God, then we will rejoice in the rainy day that our money was invested wisely. There is no shame to the person who orders their budget, and then hard times come, who has invested wisely in God’s people and God’s gospel going to the world.

Don’t be afraid. Give and believe God. Rely on him with more than your mouth. We know our responsibilities, and caring for the saints is part of them. The church is responsible to care for the church. Believers are generous people. We don’t spend everything on ourselves - our families and our comforts. Cheerfully and generously - from a loving heart - we give.

Thirdly, the unspeakable gift is generosity and thanksgiving! 2 Corinthians 9:15 - "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" The saints are no longer idolaters, looking to men’s faces. Our trust is in God, so we thank him for helping us through you. 2 Corinthians 9:12-14, "For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you."

Once, I was in need. I went to the church because that’s where the Scriptures lead me. I had my head up, because God sent me there, so I had no reason to be ashamed. The church provided, and I paid her back. This is receiving by faith, thanking God, and this is why God makes people generous - so that he can be praised by helping us through them, so that our love one to another and complete transformation can show.

The Gentiles hated the Jews, and vice versa. Yet now, they are SO UNITED that they give hard earned money, even their poverty, to help each other. This transformation of grace is how God makes us like Christ, who loved us and laid his life down for sinners! Oh, how wonderful he is to make us like his Son, and how liberating it is to live for his glory.