PRINCIPLES OF GENEROSITY

In the New Testament, the principles of generosity and supporting the work of the church are deeply rooted in love, selflessness, and a sense of community. There are several passages that highlight these principles:

1. Cheerful Giving: As mentioned earlier, 2 Corinthians 9:7 emphasizes the importance of giving with a joyful heart: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

2. Sacrificial Giving: In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus praises a poor widow who gives two small copper coins, all she had to live on. This illustrates that the value of a gift is not in its amount but in the sacrifice and sincerity behind it: "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

3. Supporting Those Who Preach and Teach: In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Paul writes, "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.'"

4. Sharing with Those in Need: Acts 2:44-45 describes the early Christian community's practice of sharing their resources: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need."

5. Generosity as an Act of Worship: In Philippians 4:18, Paul acknowledges the gifts he received from the church in Philippi, describing them as "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."

6. Encouragement to Do Good: Hebrews 13:16 states, "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

These principles collectively encourage believers to give generously and support the work of the church out of love, gratitude, and a desire to honor God. Such acts of generosity are seen as a reflection of God's own generosity and a way to build up the body of Christ.