2 Corinthians 9:7 –
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.”
The idea of giving and receiving is a difficult concept to resolve in one’s mind. How can we ever give “cheerfully” when our finances are in shambles? And when we do give “cheerfully” is it because we think there is some big “lottery” at the end of the rainbow? We have “prosperity preachers” who say there will be great gains if you give, implying financial rewards. So people will give generously expecting that lottery win and not to further God’s kingdom.
Paul in the previous verse talks about farmers who sow generously verses ones who sow sparingly and the results. The implication is you need to give generously to get healthy returns. As we saw in the previous chapter we don’t need to give till it hurts, but many will thinking it’s the way to a reward. I am guilty of thinking God is a giant cash machine and if I give till it hurts, He will see it and give me a grand harvest. That hasn’t happened and I don’t expect it too, but what has happened is we have been able to make ends meet even through some tough times. We get small influxes right when we need them, it’s really cool to watch.
Now at the same time once I violate God’s financial rules, I get in trouble quickly. The bailout doesn’t happen and I need to work to get things right. Those small influxes don’t happen and the pressure is on. In the years I have “budgeted” my life, I have noticed the pressure to plan a budget is way less than reacting to a budget. So again 10/10/80, and learn to make sure that 80 includes “set asides” for future tax bills, insurance payments and a small “emergency fund” for accidents.
On the flip side how do you receive? I know even when I need help; it’s difficult for me to accept it. We live our lives being taught independence and when we become dependent we feel it is failure. Ironically we are dependent on the sacrifice that Jesus gave on the cross, but often forget that dependency. The key is knowing when you need help and accepting that hand when offered. Don’t become a “dependent class” and expect that hand always, but use it so you can extend it to others in the future. Just don’t let “pride” keep you from accepting help when needed.