Giving Under Grace: The Heart Behind the Gift*

Text: “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.” (Luke 16:10)

Introduction:

Giving is a sensitive topic in the church, but it is essential to understand it through the lens of grace. Under the covenant of grace, our giving, including tithing, is not a requirement to avoid punishment but an act of love and gratitude for what Jesus has done. God is more concerned with the motivation behind the gift than the gift itself.

I. Money Is the Least of Kingdom Matters (Luke 16:10)

• Jesus described money as “the least” in the Kingdom.
• Trusting God means we do not put our trust in money.
• Faithfulness with financial resources is a test of our character and spiritual maturity.

Application: Ask yourself: Do I trust God as my source, or am I relying on money to feel secure? True financial freedom comes when we trust God, not money.

II. The Motivation for Giving Matters (1 Corinthians 13:3)

“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

• The motivation behind our giving is more important than the gift itself.
• Giving out of obligation or to seek recognition is meaningless without love.

Key Principle: Under grace, we give out of love and appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice, not to earn God’s favor or avoid punishment.

Illustration: Imagine giving a gift to a friend out of guilt rather than love. The gift loses its value because the heart behind it was wrong. God desires joyful and willing givers.

III. Giving Under Grace, Not Law (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

• “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
• Under the old covenant, tithing was a requirement with consequences for disobedience.
• Galatians 3:13: Jesus has redeemed us from the curse of the law. We are no longer under the punishment of Malachi 3.
• Now, we tithe and give out of love and appreciation for God’s blessings.

Application: Tithing is no longer a command with a curse attached, but it is still wise and beneficial for building God’s Kingdom.

IV. Tithing as an Act of Faith (Genesis 14:20, Galatians 3:14)

• Abraham tithed out of gratitude after God gave him victory, long before the law was established (Genesis 14:20).
• Galatians 3:14: The blessings of Abraham come by faith, not by works of the law.
• When we tithe, we are demonstrating our faith and appreciation for God’s provision.

Key Point: We don’t tithe to please God or earn blessings, we tithe because we are already blessed and want to honor God.

V. Giving to Build God’s Kingdom (2 Corinthians 9:8)

• God’s grace enables us to give generously and meet the needs of His Kingdom.
• “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
• Our giving helps advance the gospel, support ministry work, and bless those in need.

Key Principle: The goal of giving should not be prosperity. Prosperity is simply a by-product of giving.

Illustration: Think of a farmer who plants seeds not just to get more seeds but to produce a harvest that feeds others. Prosperity naturally follows faithful giving, but it should never be the primary motivation.

VI. Practical Steps for Grace-Based Giving:

1. Check Your Heart:
   • Before giving, ask yourself, “Am I giving out of love and gratitude?”
2. Give Cheerfully:
   • Give what you have purposed in your heart without reluctance or compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7).
3. Trust God as Your Source:
   • Recognize that all your resources come from God (James 1:17).
4. Be a Faithful Steward:
   • Manage your finances wisely and use them to build God’s Kingdom.
5. Celebrate the Blessing:
   • Acknowledge that you are already blessed in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Conclusion:

God desires cheerful and willing givers who give out of love and gratitude. Money is a tool, not our source of security. Trust God as your provider and give generously to build His Kingdom. Remember, the blessing is already yours through Jesus Christ.

Call to Action:

This week, take a moment to evaluate your heart when it comes to giving. Ask God to help you develop a grace-filled, joyful attitude toward giving.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the abundant blessings You have already given us through Jesus. Help us to give with joyful hearts, motivated by love and gratitude. Teach us to be faithful stewards of Your resources and to trust You in every area of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.