Giving Is an Act of Faith

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8

Notice that 2 Corinthians 9:8 says that God is able. It does not say, You will always, by default, have all sufficiency in all things and have an abundance for every good work. Yes, God is able, but just like every other promise in the Word of God, it takes faith to receive and walk in it! Every single promise has been provided for you at the cross. However, each one of those promises God has made must be appropriated by your faith.

The Word of God teaches us that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), that it was through faith and patience that the examples for us in the Old Testament received the promises of God (Hebrews 6:12), and that faith just plain pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)! God’s goal is for you to have enough for your family’s needs, and also an abundance for every good work. He is able!

If it just takes faith to receive from God that abundant provision to give to every good work, then what part does giving play? Doesn’t that mean you have to do something to receive, when earlier we said that you didn’t?

Imagine yourself a character in a fairy tale. You were born to the King and Queen, but you were stolen away and raised in the slums as a servant. Your clothes are tattered and worn. You walk with your eyes downcast, meekly following orders, but never giving orders of your own. To everyone, including yourself, you seem to be a nobody, entitled to nothing.

However, one day, you are found! You are taken to the palace, cleaned up, dressed in royal clothing, and presented to your parents, the King and Queen. They are overjoyed to have found you, and you are amazed at the instant change in your circumstances. They pamper you, and train you to assume new royal duties. Your head begins to rise, you begin to make eye contact with those around you, and you even walk differently, with a boldness and confidence you’ve never had before. Now, you are ruling and reigning, and you have unlimited resources to perform the assignments you have been given!

Part of your new identity as a child of the Most High God is your position of authority and the resources available to you. If the Holy Spirit prompts you to give, your true identity says, “No problem! My Dad will cover it!” Giving flows naturally when you know your Source. It isn’t something you do in order to become blessed. Giving is what you do because you are blessed