8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
The fifth spiritual gift is sharing.
the one who contributes [shares],
To contribute is more than giving. It is what the person with this gift has to share. It may be his time or financial resources or possessions. The word “contributes” is intense Greek with the double meaning of both (1) to give and (2) to impart what is one’s own. This is a gift whereby one gives out of the total resources of what he or she has. Paul wanted to “impart” a spiritual gift to the Romans (1:11).
Eph 4:28, Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
1 Th 2:8, So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
in generosity;
The Greek idea of “generosity” is simplicity or single-mindedness, including a sense of liberality. Generosity also carries the idea of sincerity, as there is no ulterior motive in this giving. These givers are single-minded in sharing what they have.
Giving to a ministry is to be exercised with a sense of generosity. We should not skimp on what we give to God.
2 Co 8:2, that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
2 Co 9:11, 13, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,
PRINCIPLE:
A person with the gift of giving should give with a sense of single-minded liberality.
APPLICATION:
Giving should be done with a pure motive, with the single-minded attitude of helping someone else. A principle of grace is to be generous of what we have been given. We give with a heartfelt attitude without ulterior motive. We give of ourselves but not to benefit ourselves. Giving should never be done for recognition or appreciation. It should be for the sake of the one who receives the gift.
Christian giving should never be done with a trumpet announcing what great givers we might be.
Mt 6:2, Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
The churches of Macedonia, including the church at Philippi, gave out of their poverty. Liberal giving does not require great resources.
2 Co 8:2-5, 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.
We do not give to get something in return. We give with singleness of heart to the Lord. Giving for public show expects something in return—praise from people.
