The Blessing of Faithful Giving

The Blessing of Faithful Giving

2 Corinthians 9:6–15

Introduction

In 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, Paul discusses Christian giving. In chapter 8, he lays out the principles of giving, and in chapter 9, he shares the promises that accompany faithful giving.

Faithful giving strengthens the church and blesses the giver. It is essential that giving be taught in the local church — not as a legal demand, but as a grace-driven response to God’s goodness.

In the Old Testament, Israel gave under law; in the New Testament, we give under grace. This means:

Grace means we are saved by what God has done, not by what we do.

Ephesians 2:8–9 — “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God.”

Under grace, giving flows from gratitude, not obligation.

Grace means we are not bound by the old covenant law.

Romans 6:14 — “You are not under law but under grace.”

Grace transforms our hearts, not just our habits.

Grace empowers us to live holy and generous lives.

Romans 6:1–2 — “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!”

Grace frees us to obey God from love, not fear.

Paul shows that giving is a grace, not a burden. It is not meant to be squeezed out of guilt but released out of gratitude.

I. We Must Be Unselfish in Our Giving (v. 6)

Paul says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

Giving is an investment in the Kingdom. Like a farmer planting seed, the harvest depends on how much and how faithfully we sow.

We don’t reap if we don’t sow. (Conditional)

We reap in proportion to what we sow. (Proportional)

We reap as a consequence of sowing. (Consequential)

Proverbs 11:24–26 says, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more… the generous soul will be made rich.”

Faithful giving is:

Generous – not holding back.

Joyful – given in faith and love.

Purposeful – directed toward God’s work.

Paul reminds us that when we sow bountifully, we reap blessings such as:

Spiritual joy

Growth in character

Provision for needs

Kingdom impact

Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not give up.”

Our giving may leave our hand, but it never leaves our life.

II. We Must Be Unreserved in Our Giving (v. 7)

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

God desires giving that flows from a willing and joyful heart. The Greek word for “cheerful” is hilaros, where we get the word hilarious.

Grace giving is marked by:

Motivation by Grace, not Guilt – We give because we’ve received, not to earn.

Voluntary and Joyful Spirit – Giving is never forced; it’s a privilege.

Sacrificial and Generous Heart – Giving that costs something honors God.

Faith-Filled and Worshipful Attitude – Giving declares, “God, I trust You.”

Grace giving multiplies blessings — both spiritual and physical — and results in thanksgiving to God. As we sow, we are enriched and we enrich others.

III. We Must Be Unwavering in Our Giving

We must stay committed to honoring God, even when it’s a sacrifice.

Many people struggle to give because of fear and worry. But faith reminds us that God will provide for every need.

Paul quotes Psalm 112:9 — “He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

When our hearts are right, our giving helps shape our character and draws us closer to God.

Giving is not about wealth; it’s about worship. It builds trust and deepens our faith.

God Provides for Us

Verse 8 says, “God is able to make all grace abound to you… so that you may have an abundance for every good work.”

Notice the alls: all grace, all sufficiency, all things, every good work.

God meets our needs — not for our comfort only, but so that we can bless others.

Tithing is a Starting Point, Not a Ceiling

The tithe (10%) began before the Law (see Abraham in Genesis 14, Jacob in Genesis 28).

Jesus affirmed it (Matthew 23:23), and grace calls us beyond it.

We give not to fulfill a rule but to express love and gratitude.

Tithing Supports God’s Mission

Giving sustains the church’s ministry:

Reaching souls

Supporting staff and missionaries

Funding outreach and benevolence

Maintaining facilities

Giving Is a Heart Issue, Not a Financial One

2 Corinthians 9:7 — “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart…”

Generosity breaks the grip of greed and teaches us to trust God.

Tithing under grace is:

A biblical pattern predating the Law.

Affirmed by Jesus.

Practical for the church’s mission.

A spiritual act of worship.

Many churches lack resources, not vision. The needed provision is often already in the house — waiting to be released through faithful giving.

When believers catch the vision of generosity, churches thrive:

Needs are met.

Outreach expands.

Faith grows.

God is glorified.

Dr. Tony Campolo once said after declining to pray for a fundraising goal, “The resources are already in this room.” When the people gave, they surpassed the goal — proving that when generosity is unlocked, abundance follows.

Romans 12:1 calls us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. 2 Corinthians 8:9 reminds us that Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake. If He gave everything for us, how can we give less back to Him?

Closing

There are three kinds of givers:

The Flint – must be hammered to give, producing only sparks.

The Sponge – must be squeezed to give, producing only under pressure.

The Honeycomb – naturally overflows with sweetness.

Which kind of giver are you?

God’s blessing flows toward those who give faithfully, freely, and with joy.

Give not because you have to, but because you get to.

2 Corinthians 9:15 — “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”