WILLINGNESS IN GIVING

WILLINGNESS IN GIVING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 8:10-12

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”

Supporting Texts: Exodus 35:29; 1 Chronicles 29:9; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Mark 12:41-44; Proverbs 3:9-10

Description: God values a willing heart in giving and accepts our offerings according to what we have, not according to what we do not have.

INTRODUCTION

Willingness is one of the most important qualities in Christian giving. In 2 Corinthians 8:10-12, Paul did not simply address the amount the Corinthians should give; he emphasised the attitude of the heart. He taught that giving becomes acceptable to God when it flows from a willing mind.

The Corinthians had previously demonstrated a desire to participate in the relief of the saints, but there had been a delay in completing what they had begun. Paul therefore encouraged them to complete the work according to what they had. He did not demand what they did not possess. Instead, he directed their attention to willingness and faithful action.

God is not comparing our giving with another person's giving. He sees what He has placed in our hands and examines the heart with which we give. Genuine willingness means giving freely, cheerfully, faithfully, and according to the ability God has given us.

1. GOD LOOKS FIRST AT THE WILLING HEART

Paul stated clearly that “if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted”. Before God considers the gift, He considers the heart behind the gift.

a. God Examines the Heart (1 Samuel 16:7) — God looks beyond outward appearance and sees the motives and intentions of the heart.

b. Willingness Comes Before the Gift (2 Corinthians 8:12) — A willing heart gives spiritual meaning to the offering.

c. God Desires Voluntary Service (Exodus 25:2) — God instructed His people to bring offerings from those whose hearts moved them willingly.

d. Genuine Giving Flows From Love (1 Corinthians 13:3) — Even great material sacrifice is empty when it is separated from genuine love.

Biblical Example: The Israelites brought offerings for the tabernacle because their hearts were willing, and they gave so abundantly that Moses eventually instructed them to stop (Exodus 35:21-29; 36:5-7).

2. WILLINGNESS MAKES GIVING JOYFUL

A willing heart does not regard giving as a painful obligation. It finds joy in participating in God's work and blessing others.

a. Give Cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7) — God loves the person who gives willingly and joyfully.

b. Joy Flows From Gratitude (Psalm 107:1) — Those who recognise God's goodness have reasons to respond with thanksgiving.

c. Giving Can Be Worship (Philippians 4:18) — Generous giving can become a sacrifice that pleases God.

d. Giving Can Produce Joy in Others (2 Corinthians 9:12) — Generosity meets needs and causes thanksgiving to rise towards God.

Biblical Example: The people of Israel rejoiced when they willingly gave towards the building of the Temple (1 Chronicles 29:9).

3. WILLINGNESS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PRESSURE

God does not desire giving that is forced by manipulation, fear, or human pressure. He wants generosity that comes from personal conviction.

a. Give Without Compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7) — Christian giving should not be extracted through pressure.

b. Give From Personal Conviction (2 Corinthians 8:3) — The Macedonians were willing of themselves.

c. Give With a Free Heart (Philemon 1:14) — Paul recognised the value of voluntary action rather than something done under compulsion.

d. Let Love Motivate Your Giving (2 Corinthians 8:8) — Paul appealed to the Corinthians' love rather than forcing them.

Biblical Example: David and the leaders of Israel willingly contributed towards the building of the Temple, and the people rejoiced because they gave freely (1 Chronicles 29:6-9).

4. WILLINGNESS DOES NOT REQUIRE ABUNDANCE

Paul said that giving is accepted according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. God does not demand resources that He has not entrusted to us.

a. Give According to What You Have (2 Corinthians 8:12) — God accepts faithful giving according to one's available resources.

b. Small Gifts Can Have Great Value (Mark 12:43-44) — Jesus recognised the widow's small offering because of the sacrifice it represented.

c. God Values Faithfulness (Luke 16:10) — Faithfulness is important whether the resources are great or small.

d. Do Not Compare Your Gift With Others (Galatians 6:4) — We should examine our own stewardship rather than measuring ourselves by another person's resources.

Biblical Example: The poor widow gave two mites, yet Jesus recognised her offering as significant because she gave from her limited means (Mark 12:41-44).

5. WILLINGNESS PRODUCES ACTION

A willing heart should eventually lead to practical obedience. Paul encouraged the Corinthians not merely to desire generosity but to complete what they had begun.

a. Complete What You Begin (2 Corinthians 8:11) — Good intentions should be followed by faithful action.

b. Faith Must Produce Works (James 2:17) — Genuine faith demonstrates itself through corresponding actions.

c. Do Good While You Have Opportunity (Galatians 6:10) — Opportunities to bless others should not continually be postponed.

d. Be Doers of God's Word (James 1:22) — Hearing God's instruction is incomplete without obedience.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan did not merely feel compassion; he acted by caring for the wounded man and providing for his recovery (Luke 10:30-37).

6. WILLINGNESS REQUIRES FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP

God expects us to manage whatever He has placed in our hands responsibly. Willingness in giving must be accompanied by wisdom and faithfulness.

a. Be Faithful With What You Have (1 Corinthians 4:2) — God requires faithfulness from His stewards.

b. Honour God With Your Possessions (Proverbs 3:9) — Our resources should be used in ways that honour God.

c. Plan Your Giving (1 Corinthians 16:2) — Regular and intentional giving is a biblical principle.

d. Care for Legitimate Responsibilities (1 Timothy 5:8) — Faithfulness includes fulfilling our responsibilities towards those entrusted to our care.

Biblical Example: Joseph demonstrated exceptional stewardship by wisely managing Egypt's resources during years of abundance and famine (Genesis 41:33-36, 47-49).

7. WILLINGNESS FLOWS FROM LOVE FOR GOD

The greatest motivation for Christian giving is not fear of punishment or desire for recognition but love for God and gratitude for His grace.

a. God's Love Produces Generosity (John 3:16) — God's giving of Christ is the supreme demonstration of divine love.

b. Love Responds to Grace (2 Corinthians 8:9) — Understanding Christ's generosity should inspire generosity in believers.

c. Love Seeks the Good of Others (Philippians 2:4) — Genuine Christian love looks beyond personal interests.

d. Love Produces Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2) — Christ's self-giving provides the pattern for believers.

Biblical Example: Mary demonstrated extraordinary love for Jesus by pouring costly ointment upon Him (John 12:1-8).

8. WILLING GIVING BRINGS GLORY TO GOD

When believers give with willing hearts, their generosity becomes a testimony of God's grace and can cause others to give thanks to Him.

a. Giving Produces Thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 9:11-12) — Generosity can cause people to glorify God for His provision.

b. Giving Strengthens Gospel Ministry (Philippians 4:15-18) — Financial partnership can support the advancement of the Gospel.

c. Giving Demonstrates God's Grace (2 Corinthians 8:1-2) — Generosity can reveal the transforming work of God in His people.

d. Giving Reflects Christ's Character (Ephesians 5:1-2) — Believers who imitate Christ should also develop a lifestyle of love and generosity.

Biblical Example: The believers in Macedonia became an example of generosity because God's grace enabled them to give willingly despite severe affliction and poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

CONCLUSION

God is looking for willing hearts, not reluctant hands. The Corinthians were encouraged to complete their commitment according to what they had, because God accepts giving according to a willing mind and according to what a person possesses. This removes unhealthy comparison and reminds us that God values faithfulness, sincerity, love, and willingness.

Let us therefore give freely, cheerfully, wisely, and faithfully. Let us not wait until we have abundance before we become generous. Whatever God has placed in our hands can become a seed of blessing when it is given with the right heart. May our willingness to give become a testimony of our love for God and a channel through which His work and His people are blessed.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a willing heart in all my giving, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from reluctant and grudging giving, in Jesus name.

3. Father, let my giving flow from genuine love for You, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, teach me to give according to what You have placed in my hands, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me grace to complete every good commitment I have made, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make me a faithful steward of all You have entrusted to me, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me to give without comparison or competition, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, give me wisdom to fulfil my responsibilities while remaining generous, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let my giving bring thanksgiving and glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make me consistently willing and cheerful in supporting Your work, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall receive grace to give with a willing and cheerful heart, in Jesus name.

2. You shall not be controlled by selfishness, fear, or reluctance, in Jesus name.

3. Your heart shall remain sensitive to the needs of others, in Jesus name.

4. You shall faithfully use whatever God has placed in your hands, in Jesus name.

5. You shall not be destroyed by comparison or competition in your giving, in Jesus name.

6. You shall receive wisdom to manage your resources faithfully, in Jesus name.

7. Every good commitment you have made shall receive grace for completion, in Jesus name.

8. Your generosity shall produce thanksgiving and glory to God, in Jesus name.

9. You shall grow continually in the grace of giving, in Jesus name.

10. Your life shall become a consistent channel of blessing to others and to the work of God, in Jesus name.