As we read through the writings of Paul, which were given to us in this dispensation, we find two entire chapters devoted to the subject of giving. This giving is clearly by grace and not law. Thus, Paul establishes a new standard of giving.

"Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality," (II Cor. 8:1-2).

"Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also," (II Cor. 8:6-7).

And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind," (II Cor. 8:19).

"And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you," (II Cor. 9:14).

"How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality," (II Cor. 8:2). If we wait until we are able to give, we may never give.

God accepts our service of giving (as well as other areas) on the basis of what we have, not what we lack. "For if there first be a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not," II Cor. 8:12).

"1 speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love," (II Cor. 8:8).

"And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago," (II Cor. 8:10).

"For if there first be a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not," (II Cor. 8:12).

This type of giving is neither by law or legislation, but by grace. This new standard of giving does away with the law of tithing completely. The Body of Christ cannot "rob God", (Mal. 3:10).

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver," (II Cor. 9:7).

Giving is not a bondage, but rather an outworking of Divine Grace which enables the believer to be a channel of grace to others.

"I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For we know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich," (II Cor. 8:8-9).

"I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love." Love always gives (John 3:16, I Cor. 13).

Sacrifice is not giving up something that you want, but something that you need. Remember the grace of giving operated in the churches of Macedonia while they were in deep poverty. This is the type of giving that God rewards.

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully," (II Cor. 9:6)

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work," (II Cor. 9:8).

In I Corinthians chapter sixteen Paul lays down some principles of giving. We would do well to consider them. The pattern of giving was:

1. Systematic - "upon the first day of the week" (vs 2).

2. Personal - "let every one of you" (vs 2).

3. Deliberate - "lay by him in store" (vs 2).

4. Proportional - "as God has prospered him" (vs 2).

5. Honest - there should be accountability in its use (vs 3).

6. Liberal - "your liberality" (vs 3).

By Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.