Grace

Have you ever stopped to consider the profound impact of grace in your life? Not just as a concept but as a transformative force that shapes every aspect of your existence, including how you give and grow spiritually.

At its core, grace is not just a theological concept, but a deeply personal experience. It's God's unmerited favor - His riches bestowed upon us at Christ's expense. This gift, so immense that it transcends our understanding, is intimately personal in its application to our lives. This divine grace isn't just about salvation; it's the very essence of our ongoing relationship with God and the fuel for our spiritual growth.

Consider Philippians 2:13, which tells us, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” This verse encapsulates the beautiful dance between God's grace and our response. It's not about our strength or willpower but God's empowering presence within us, guiding our desires and actions.

But how does this relate to giving? The connection is more profound than you might think.

In 2 Corinthians 8:9, we're reminded of the ultimate act of giving: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” This verse paints a vivid picture of Christ's sacrificial giving, setting the standard for our own generosity.

The concept of grace-inspired giving isn't new. Even in the Old Testament, we see examples of people giving beyond what was required. Take the construction of the Tabernacle, for instance. God's grace so moved the Israelites that they gave abundantly - so much so that Moses had to restrain them from giving more! (Exodus 36:4-6)

Similarly, when King David prepared for the building of the Temple, he led by example, giving generously from his own wealth. His leadership inspired others, and the entire nation soon gave willingly and joyfully (1 Chronicles 29:3-9).

These stories highlight a crucial distinction between tithing and grace-giving. Tithing, while important, is fundamentally about obedience. It's the starting point, the baseline of our financial stewardship. Grace-giving, on the other hand, flows from a heart transformed by God's love. It's not about obligation but opportunity - a chance to tangibly express our gratitude for God's immeasurable gifts to us.

This brings us to a sobering reality: our time on earth is finite. Every decision we make, every act of obedience or generosity, has eternal implications. Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) is a stark reminder that our choices in this life echo into eternity.

So, how do we cultivate a heart of grace-inspired giving? It starts with recognizing the depth of God's grace in our lives. When we truly grasp how much we've been given—not just materially but spiritually—our perspective on giving changes dramatically.

Remember John 3:16? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This verse isn't just about salvation; it's a blueprint for how we should approach giving. God's love motivated His giving. Similarly, our love for God should be the driving force behind our generosity.

As we embrace this mindset, we'll find that giving becomes less of a duty and more of a delight. It becomes an act of worship, a tangible expression of our love for God and others. And here's the beautiful part: as we give in response to God's grace, we open ourselves up to experience that grace in even deeper ways. This joy of giving is a testament to the transformative power of grace in our lives.

This cycle of receiving grace and giving in response is crucial to spiritual growth. It's not about earning God's favor - that's already freely given. Rather, it's about aligning our hearts more closely with His, allowing His transformative power to work in and through us. This alignment brings a sense of guidance and reassurance, knowing that we are on the right path of spiritual growth.

Consider the example of the reluctant giver mentioned earlier - the ex-military man who initially struggled with the concept of tithing. His journey from resistance to joyful giving illustrates the transformative power of God's grace. As he began to give obediently, God worked in his heart, changing his perspective and ultimately making him one of the most generous givers in his church.

This story reminds us that growth often begins with simple obedience. We may not always feel like giving, but as we step out in faith, God meets us there, slowly but surely aligning our desires with His.

As we conclude, let's reflect on the incredible opportunity we have before us. Every act of giving is a chance to demonstrate the same love that God has shown us. It's an invitation to participate in His ongoing work in the world, to be conduits of His grace to others.

So, as you consider your own approach to giving, ask yourself: Am I giving out of obligation or out of a heart overflowing with gratitude for God's grace? Am I seeing giving as a burden or a beautiful opportunity to grow closer to God and impact lives for eternity?

Remember, in the economy of God's kingdom, it's not about how much we give but the heart behind our giving. As we align our hearts with His, allowing His grace to flow through us, we'll find that giving becomes a spiritual discipline and a source of immense joy and fulfillment.

May we all grow in our understanding and experience of God's amazing grace, allowing it to transform our giving and every aspect of our lives.