Supracultural Principle 51 - Excelling in Generosity

BIBLICAL BASIS

Just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving. - 2 Corinthians 8:7

When the Corinthians were converted to Christ, they were given an abundance of "grace gifts" (1 Corinthians 1:4-5, 7). Paul returned to this subject in his second letter and reminded these believers that they did "excel in everything" (2 Corinthians 8:7). However, as Paul enumerated the ways in which this grace was manifested-"in faith, in speech, in knowledge"-he broadened the concept beyond spiritual gifts. He referred to complete earnestness and love (1 Corinthians 8:7), qualities that are comprehensive and reflect spiritual maturity among all members of the body of Christ. In other words, Paul wasn't simply referring to a spiritual gift of giving bestowed on certain individuals in the Corinthian church (see also Romans 12:6-8). He was exhorting the members to growing the spiritual quality all believers must develop if they’re going to remain in the will of God.

Supracultural Principle 51

Excelling in Generosity

Be generous in sharing your material possessions.

We must never rationalize away our responsibility to give because we don't have a desire to do so, concluding that God has not "gifted" us in the area of sharing what we have. It's God's will that all of us be generous Christians, just as he wants all of us to give ourselves to him as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). Giving regularly, systematically, and proportionately is the will of God for every Christian.

Extracted from Dr Gene Getz’s Rich in Every Way