2 Corinthians 9:1-5: Generous Giving Encourages Others

Last year the Washington Post ran a story by Sydney Page about a man named Michael who meant to donate $150 to a charity, but mistakenly gave $15,000.

Michael heard from a neighbor about a GoFundMe site to support a charity helping people in poverty stricken countries. However, after typing 150, he accidently typed two extra zeroes in the “amount” box before removing the cursor to the next field.

After clicking “donate,” Michael then realized what had happened. “It was a complete typo,” he said. Quickly he called the credit card company to cancel the charge. But before he could alert anyone thankful messages began pouring in. Apparently, GoFundMe was still showing the original amount and others seeing his large donation were motivated to give.

Once the original contribution was refunded, Michael decided to donate $1500. However, he felt compelled to post his story online and explain what happened. “The least I could do was take the time to post this story online and see if I can inspire other people to donate to this cause.”

The story resonated with people and the donations began pouring in and soon exceed $120,000.

One GoFundMe donor wrote, “We’re all here to make up for Michael’s mistake.” Sarah Peck, senior public affairs director for GoFundMe, said “We love that Michael’s story inspired others to rally behind this fundraiser and multiply his generosity.”

The true story reminds us that our example of giving can often inspire others to give to a worthy cause as well. This is the message found in today’s text.

Paul was collecting contributions for the Jerusalem Christians in need. The Corinthians had promised to help. So, Paul used their commitment to encourage those in Macedonia to give as well. Take note of the apostle’s praise of their generosity, but also his reminder to them to follow through on their pledge.

1 There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints.
2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.
3 But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be.
4 For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we — not to say anything about you — would be ashamed of having been so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

Our motivation for giving should always be to please God, as well as help others. Yet, our giving can serve as an example to fellow Christians to also give. The Hebrew writer said Christians should “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24).

While our giving should never be motivated by self-righteousness to receive praise from others, show off, or flaunt our gift (Matt. 6:1-4), we can with a pure heart and humble motive, serve as an influence for others when they “see our good works” and glorify God (Matt. 5:14).

When our giving is compelled by thankfulness for God’s blessings, a love of others, and a generous spirit, God is pleased, and fellow Christians are encouraged to do likewise.

Esther York Burkholder was right when she wrote, “Giving is a joy if we do it in the right spirit. It all depends on whether we think of it as ‘What can I spare’ or as ‘What can I share?’”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman