Why Give?
Not too long ago, I was reading a passage of scripture which provided fresh insight into why we give to supply the needs of others. It is a passage I had read many times before, but had never really seen in this fresh light. When we give, the focus is often on ourselves and the receiver of the gift. We may be concerned about the amount or motivation for giving, or we may be concerned about how the recipient will use or respond to our gift. 2 Corinthians 9:11-15(NIV) places the emphasis where it belongs…GOD!
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
The most important thing about giving is that it will cause God to be glorified. If you are thanked appropriately…well, that is not important. The most important thing is that someone might receive a gift, have their need supplied, and give thanks to God. The purpose of giving, as is the purpose of our lives, is to glorify God! Let us give to cause folks everywhere to thank, praise, and glorify God.