Why should I give? 2 Corinthians 8-9

Why should I give? I get nothing from it It’s my hard, earned money What’s up with that tithing thing?

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches… In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. WHY (AGAIN)

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people… WHY (AGAIN)

First Reason Giving confirms that one’s faith is real And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Giving confirms that one’s faith is real

 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:8-9

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18

Second Reason Giving confirms that one’s love is real …God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5b

Ron & Janet Zielgelbaur and Family

Third Reason You can’t afford NOT to give Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  2 Corinthians 9:6 You can’t afford NOT to give

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

ALL OUR NEEDS in Christ Jesus! Philippians 4:19 If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you! Proverbs 19:17 Financially Spiritually Relationally ALL OUR NEEDS in Christ Jesus! Philippians 4:19

Trust God by: Making a decision to give consistently and generously Making a decision to give even when it hurts