The Grace of Giving   

Scripture tells us that the Christians in Jerusalem had been very generous in giving to those in need (Acts 2:43-47; 4:33-37). But then came the time that they needed help from others. So Paul set out to collect contributions from other Christians to help the poor in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-26). And he told the church in Corinth to collect money every week for him to take when he saw them (1 Corinthians 16:1-4).
At the congregation where I serve and worship, it is our custom to follow a similar procedure. We take up an offering every week, and the elders and deacons, in conjunction with input from members of the congregation, have committed to meeting needs and doing good works that are intended to be a blessing to the members here and to people of the community and all around the world.
And just as those in Corinth were urged to follow through with what they had promised to do, so also we need to give what we have promised to give. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul wrote, “Let each one give as he has purposed in his heart.” Christians need to plan their giving, and then give as they planned. (In other words, when you plan your budget, include your contribution. Don’t just give what is left over; what you give back to God should be first on your list.)
But let me suggest another way we need to give. Not only should we give to the church, but I think Christians should also give to other good works. In fact, if we are to be more like those early Christians, then not only will we contribute collectively for good works, we will also look for opportunities to give on a more individual and personal basis.
Those early Christians did not just put money in a collection plate and think they had fulfilled their duty to be giving people. When they saw people in need, they gave. According to 2 Timothy 1:16-18, Onesiphorus was a Christian who went looking for Paul to see if he was in need. We too need to look for those in need so that we might be a blessing to them.
Some have suggested that it might be better to always give to the church treasury so that, when money is given out of that treasury, the glory might go to the church from which it came. Maybe so. But I think what matters most is that we seek to be the loving, caring, and giving people that God desires for us to be.
So, yes, give to the church to support the many good things we do. But give in whatever way you can. Give from a heart dedicated to being like Jesus, and God will be glorified no matter how we choose to give (2 Corinthians 9:13).

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