How can we ensure our giving is "according to your means" as instructed? Context of “According to Your Means” • 2 Corinthians 8:11: “Now finish the work so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means.” • Paul is speaking to believers who had promised an offering for the Jerusalem saints. The instruction is simple: complete the gift in proportion to what you currently possess. Scripture Interprets Scripture: Core Principles • 2 Corinthians 8:12 – “the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” • 1 Corinthians 16:2 – “each of you should set aside a portion of his income.” • Acts 11:29 – “each according to his ability.” • Deuteronomy 16:17 – “as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD … has given.” • 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Practical Steps to Give According to Your Means 1. Evaluate honestly • List all sources of income. • Track monthly obligations and necessary expenses. • Identify true surplus—the margin God has entrusted for generosity. 2. Decide intentionally • Set a percentage or amount that reflects both gratitude and realism. • Adjust when income rises or falls; proportional giving flexes with seasons. 3. Prioritize systematically • Give “on the first day of every week” (1 Corinthians 16:2) before discretionary spending erodes the margin. • Automate or earmark the gift to keep commitments from slipping. 4. Involve the whole household • Discuss with spouse and children so everyone shares the vision and the sacrifice. • Celebrate God’s provision together when needs are met. 5. Review regularly • Re-examine budget quarterly or with any job change. • Pray over fresh opportunities to bless others while safeguarding essential family needs (1 Timothy 5:8). Safeguards Against Legalism or Neglect • Guard the heart: giving must remain cheerful, not guilt-driven (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Avoid comparison: the widow’s two mites (Luke 21:3-4) outshone larger sums because her heart and proportion were right. • Remember mutuality: in later seasons you may be the recipient (2 Corinthians 8:14). • Keep faith with creditors: generosity never excuses ignoring lawful debts (Romans 13:7-8). Encouragement from Biblical Examples • Macedonians gave “even beyond their ability” because God’s grace enabled them (2 Corinthians 8:3). • Barnabas modeled voluntary, proportionate generosity by selling a field he owned (Acts 4:36-37). • The early churches pooled resources so “there were no needy among them” (Acts 4:34). Each story proves God multiplies obedient, proportionate gifts. Living the Principle Today When income is abundant, proportion protects against stinginess; when income is tight, proportion guards against despair. Obeying “according to your means” keeps giving tethered to reality while freeing the heart for joyful generosity. The standard is not equal amounts, but equal willingness—each believer happily trusting that the God who supplies the seed will also “increase the harvest of your righteousness” (2 Corinthians 9:10). |
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