The Ministry of Giving

I was interviewed by a college student recently about how our church works.  One of the questions the person asked me was how I would define the word “ministry”.  The synonym I chose was “service”.  To minister on behalf of God is to serve on behalf of God. 

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul writes about “the ministry of giving” (v 1).  He is basically talking about serving God by giving to others.  In Paul’s case, he is writing about giving money, but he could just as easily been talking about time or anything else that we could give to others out of a desire to serve God.

I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. 2 Corinthians 9:1 (NLT)

Why should we excel in this ministry of giving?

It encourages others to give.

For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving. 2 Corinthians 9:2 (NLT)

It tests our willingness to give.

But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them! So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. 2 Corinthians 9:3-5 (NLT)

It reinforces the truth that everything…all of it…comes from God.

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 (NLT)

It meets the needs of the needy, prompting them to give thanks to God.

So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 2 Corinthians 9:12-14 (NLT)

There is no downside here!  Giving encourages others to give.  Giving tests and proves our willingness to give.  Giving reinforces our belief that everything comes from God.  Giving meets the needs of others and gives them an opportunity to thank Him and glorify Him.  So let’s thank Him for his gift of grace and the opportunity to give as a response to that grace!

Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NLT)

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