The Motive for Generosity

2 Corinthians 8:8-9

When we talk about money in the Church (and sometimes it’s easier not to), often the conversation revolves around what giving or tithing is, how much it’s supposed to be, and where it should go. But an important (and often missing) piece of that conversation is why we tithe and give gifts as Christians. Why are Christians called to be generous? What’s the reason behind our giving? What’s the motivation for it? Well, as the Apostle Paul says in this passage, our generosity actually has the same motivation as everything else we do as Christians: It’s because of God’s grace.

If you’re looking to go deeper into our study of generosity, two of the resources I’ve used in preparation for this series might be helpful: The Bible Project podcast episode, “God and Money,” and the book by the guys whose story the podcast tells, God and Money by John Cortines and Gregory Baumer.