When we sincerely give, God rewards us in many different ways, viz. materially, spiritually and physically. Materially God may bless our employment, the material things would not last long. Spiritually God would bless us and free us from guilt, greed, covetousness etc. We will have rich rewards in heaven. Physically, God would give us good health that we don’t need to spend too much money on health etc. The blessing could be even beyond our understanding. Apostle Paul quotes from OT (Ps.112:9) that “God has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever” (9:9). In God’s eyes, a person’s value has no relationship to his wealth or position in the social ladder. Many great people have their work in poverty. God supersedes the social orders of this world and often chooses the future leaders and ambassadors from among social outcasts and lowly people. When we involve in God’s work with all our might and strength, we will have the satisfaction and contentment. This will make us better than the richest people or wealthiest people in the world. Our generous gift will not make us righteousness, but it gives evidence of a right standing with God.
Our God is the supplier of all our needs and necessities. He gives us resources to use and invest for Him. Paul again using the agricultural example, whatever God gives should not be kept selfishly, but to invest and utilize to produce more. We must invest God’s money for the extension of His work. This is the riches of righteousness which cannot be counted or estimated. So Paul prays for the Corinthian church that they may be more generous and stand as a role model so that other churches would also follow them resulting rich generosity and thanksgiving to God. The reason for the generosity was the pressing need of Jerusalem Christians who were in poverty. When the churches meet their needs, this would overflow in many expressions of thanks to God and bring much praise to God.
The benefits of giving: (9:12-15):
Our giving has two-fold spiritual rewards viz. The giver will have the rich blessings as God is no one’s debtor. The receiver will be helped and praise God and pray for the giver. When we bless others through our giving, we will also be blessed. There are three special blessings viz.
- Our giving will meet the needs of God’s people: (9:12): The service of the gift supplies the needs of the poor saints which would result in many thanksgiving to God. The Corinthian church composed of Gentile believers could have made many excuses viz. the famine caused to Jewish believers is not their fault or there is more need of helping their own churches etc. But they have unanimously decided to support the Jerusalem When we start thinking like that, we lose God’s grace. When we give, we are utilizing the opportunity to get blessing.
- Our giving will glorify God: (9:13): Our giving will bring glory to God. the Corinthian church was obedient to God to raise their contribution for the poor Jewish saints. Their obedience would have brought much praise and glory to God. The recipients would thank God for their gift. Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven”(Matt. 5:16). So every individual and the congregation must put their share for the outreach and for the needs of other believers. In 3rd world countries viz. India, there is a tremendous need and great opportunity to support believers and send support to evangelists and missionaries.
- Our giving will unite God’s people: (9:14-15): The Gentile had faced opposition from the Jerusalem church initially because of the culture. Paul wanted to prevent a division in the church. The support going from the Gentile Corinthian church would be an eye opening for the Jerusalem believers. This would unite both Jewish and Gentile believers. They would in fact praise God for the commitment of Gentile believers. Since the offering made by Corinthian church was a love offering, it would bind both Gentile and Jewish believers to be more closer, resulting in thanks giving and praise to God. This would continue to unite all the believers regardless of their culture, background or nationality. This is a good example to be followed in countries like India, where we have cross cultural society. When people from different castes, creeds are saved and come to the Lord, the churches must accommodate and nurture them. Paul emphasizes here that when Macedonian and Corinthian churches give to the poor saints of Jerusalem, they would praise God, pray for the Corinthian churches and long to see them face to face. This will bring a great unity among all the believers. When believers are united and pray for each other, God will unleash great blessings and miracles would happen. When Churches and para-church organisations work together in unity, the Gospel would reach the entire world very soon. Paul closes this chapter with thanks to God for His indescribable gift. The indescribable gift is nothing but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and the free gift of salvation He has provided through His death and Resurrection. When we have received such a wonderful free gift, we must involve in the service of extending this gift to others through evangelists and missionaries and it is our duty to support them through our prayers and finance.
It is high time for each and every believer to examine to see whether their church is working in unity with other evangelical churches for the support of Evangelists and missionaries? May God give us the discretion and understanding in this service.