Introduction
Giving is a measure of Grace.
When people recognize something good in us, they may encourage us to grow further. This is what the apostle Paul did for the Corinthian church, encouraging them to “excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7).
If the depth of our faith is measured not merely by the songs we sing but by the sacrifices we make, how much would your faith weigh?
Giving is more than a financial transaction; it is a spiritual discipline that reveals the condition of our hearts. In 2 Corinthians 8:7, Paul challenges the Church to excel in giving just as they excel in faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love. The question is not simply, “How much do we give?” but, “How abundantly is the grace of God expressed through our giving?”
Giving Is an Expression of Spiritual Maturity
Paul writes, “But since you excel in everything —in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving." (2 Cor 8:7).
For deeper understanding, the Greek word 'perisseuō,' translated “abound” or “excel,” conveys overflowing abundance. See that the Bible places giving alongside other Christian virtues. Giving is then not peripheral to Christian discipleship; it is an integral expression of spiritual maturity.
The church may excel in preaching, songs, theological knowledge, social media presence, and evangelism while neglecting its financial responsibility. Genuine spiritual growth must also reflect in generous support for the Church’s ministry, missions, pastoral safeguarding, and assistance to the needy.
John Wesley’s famous maxim captures this when he says: “Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” Christian giving is not measured merely by possession but by faithful stewardship.
“Is generosity part of who I am becoming in Christ? How am I managing my resources to serve God and neighbour?”
Giving Is Motivated by Christ’s Sacrificial Grace
Motivation is like fuel that powers a machine. The Corinthian church waned in giving because their motivational focus shifted to things other than Christ Jesus.
Paul clarifies that he is not issuing a command to compel them; rather, he is testing the sincerity of their love (2 Cor. 8:8). The supreme example of giving is Jesus Christ: “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." (2 Cor. 8:9).
Christ’s “riches” refer to His divine glory, while His “poverty” points to His incarnation and self-giving mission, culminating in the cross.
We are told in the epistle that the church had begun giving generously but in the space of a year had stopped (2 Corinthians 8:10–12). This donor fatigue can be attributed to the division in the church (1 Cor 1:11, 12) and some being offended by Paul's attack on the false apostles, referring to them as "masquerades" (2 Cor. 11:12-15)
The apostle draws their attention to the weakness of giving, saying, "Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means." (2 Corinthians 8:11)
Sometimes the zeal and eagerness of our giving wane for many reasons. Meanwhile, the center of our motivation is in Christ, not human influence. Therefore, "Let us excel in the grace of giving" without giving up.
Remember, Christian-giving is a response to grace, not an attempt to purchase divine favour.
Let us therefore give willingly, sacrificially, gratefully, and gracefully, supporting God’s work because Christ first gave Himself for us.
Giving Requires Willingness and Responsible Action
Paul commends the Corinthians’ earlier desire to contribute and urges them to complete what they began. 2 Cor. 8:12 establishes an essential principle: “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have."
God values willing hearts and faithful action, not merely impressive amounts. The widow’s offering in Mark 12:41–44 illustrates this truth. As Christians, we should not give out of manipulation or be found in the college of stingy believers.
Importantly, Paul does not demand contributions beyond one’s means. Christian giving must be voluntary, proportionate to one’s resources, and free from manipulative pressure. "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality" (2 Cor 8:13). In the same way, the Church must demonstrate transparency and accountability in handling what is given to complement the mission.
Conclusion
Let grace flow through our giving.
Beloved in Christ, a church may possess beautiful buildings, powerful sermons, flamboyant social media presence, gifted leaders, and yet struggle to fulfil its mission if its members refuse to give. Conversely, a generous congregation becomes an instrument of evangelism, compassion, discipleship, and community transformation.
Let us excel in giving, not just to earn God’s love, but because we have received; not under compulsion, but through conviction; not merely from abundance, but with willing hearts.
The greatest evidence of grace received is grace given.
Having received Christ’s immeasurable gift, let us give faithfully to His Church and generously to those in need. Amen.
