The Grace of Christian Giving - Part 4

14. We must set goals and plan properly if we are to give effectively.
    9:1-5

15. If you sow, you will reap; and if you don't, you won't. v. 6

Proverbs 11:24-26

Calvin – “When fleshly reason calls us back from doing good through fear of loss, we should immediately oppose it with this shield, ‘But the Lord declares we are sowing!'”

16. Giving is the happy privilege that flows from a heart of gratitude v.7

Giving is a matter of the heart.
What are the marks of a cheerful giver?
    1)  They give proportionately – as God has prospered.
    2)  They give willingly – glad to be able to do so.
    3)  Glad to give – and wish they could give 10 times as much.

17. Christian giving may cause us to have less of what the world values,
    but we can trust that God will supply all our needs. 8-9

Philippians 4:19; 4:11-13

18. A single seed carries the germ of the whole, so God is able to multiply
    our gift to meet a larger need than we would have imagined. 10-11

Isaiah 55:10-11; Hosea 10:12

19. Christian giving causes thanksgiving to God from the givers and
    the recipients. 12-14

20. Christian giving opens, centers and closes on the gift of God's
    Son to Us v. 15

We can give without loving, but we can not love without giving.