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Mar 08, 2026

Christian Giving Myths | All In

Christian Giving Myths | All In

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Christian Giving Myths 

 

March 8, 2026

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Biblical generosity is not something that God wants from me; it’s something that God wants for me.

2 Corinthians 8:1–7
1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
5 Myths:
Christians Give Generously…

1. Because that’s just who the are.

2 Corinthians 8:1
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.

2. Only when they the resources.

2 Corinthians 8:2
In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

3. Only what’s leftover and what they can to give.

2 Corinthians 8:3
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.

“They marry, as do all others; they have children, but they do not destroy their offspring. They share their table with all, but not their bed with all. They are poor and make many rich; they are short of everything and yet have plenty of things.”
— Letter to Diognetus, c. 100–150AD

2 Corinthians 8:3–4
3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.

4. Only because they are or pressured into it.

2 Corinthians 8:3–5
3 …Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
2 Corinthians 9:7
God loves a cheerful giver.

5. Only when they are Christians.

2 Corinthians 8:7
But since you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:8–9
8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Biblical generosity is not something that God wants from me; it’s something that God wants for me.

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