Don't Miss the Moment - Part 2

  This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 8th February 2026, by Colin. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

Don’t Miss the Moment – Part 2

Biblical Principles of Beautiful Giving

Giving is one of the most powerful expressions of faith — yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people wrestle with questions about generosity, especially in times when costs rise and financial pressure increases. Can we truly afford to give? And more importantly, what does God say about giving?

In this message, we explore biblical principles drawn primarily from 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 — passages that offer profound insight into the heart of generosity. Through Scripture, we discover that giving is not merely a financial transaction; it is a spiritual act that reveals transformation within the heart.

A Transformed Heart: The Story of Zacchaeus

The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that genuine encounters with Jesus lead to radical change. When Jesus called Zacchaeus down from the tree and chose to stay at his house, the response was immediate and dramatic. Zacchaeus declared he would give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had wronged fourfold.

Interestingly, his transformation wasn’t marked by religious words or rituals — it was reflected in how he handled his money. Jesus saw this as evidence of true salvation. Generosity became the visible fruit of an inward change.

Beautiful Giving: More Than Practical — It’s Worship

Consider also the woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus. To some, it seemed wasteful. But Jesus called it beautiful worship. Her sacrificial act demonstrated love beyond calculation.

This is the foundation of “beautiful giving” — generosity that flows from devotion, not obligation.

Five Biblical Principles of Giving

1. Giving Is an Act of Grace — Not a Command

Paul describes the Macedonian churches as extremely poor, yet abundantly generous. Their giving wasn’t forced; it was empowered by God’s grace.

Without grace, people cling tightly to what they have. But when God transforms the heart, generosity becomes natural. Giving shifts from reluctance to joy.

There are stages in giving:

• Giving reluctantly or not at all.
• Giving according to ability.
• Giving beyond ability — trusting God in faith.

Grace moves us forward through these stages.

2. Giving Is a Spiritual Discipline

Just as believers grow in faith, knowledge, and love, Scripture calls us to grow in generosity.

Jesus Himself modeled sacrificial giving. Though rich in heaven, He became poor for our sake. His example challenges us to ask:

Am I growing in generosity compared to last year?

Giving is not about comparison with others — it’s about personal growth.

3. Giving Follows the Principle of Sowing and Reaping

Paul explains:

“Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously.”

This does not mean giving to manipulate God for gain. Instead, it reflects a spiritual reality: generosity produces blessing — sometimes financially, but often spiritually, relationally, or emotionally.

God is no one’s debtor. When we invest in His kingdom, He works in ways beyond our expectations.

4. Giving Begins in the Heart

Biblical giving is:

• Personal — decided individually before God.
• Prayerful — guided by conviction, not pressure.
• Joyful — given freely, without reluctance.

God loves a cheerful giver because cheerful giving reflects His own character. After all, God gave His greatest treasure — His Son — out of love.

5. God Notices Generosity and Provides for Our Needs

Scripture promises that God supplies seed for the sower and meets the needs of those who give faithfully. Generosity becomes a channel through which others experience God’s provision and offer thanksgiving to Him.

Giving not only meets practical needs but advances the gospel — impacting lives we may never see this side of eternity.

A Shift in Perspective: Storing Treasure in Heaven

We live in a world that encourages accumulating wealth on earth, yet Jesus calls us to store treasures in heaven. While material possessions cannot follow us beyond this life, the impact of our generosity carries eternal significance.

Giving is ultimately about trust — trusting God as our provider and aligning our hearts with His purposes.

Final Reflection

Beautiful giving isn’t about pressure, comparison, or obligation. It is about responding to God’s grace with gratitude.

As we reflect on our own lives, the question isn’t simply “How much should I give?” but rather:

“How is God shaping my heart through generosity?”

When giving becomes worship, generosity transforms from duty into joy — and we begin to experience the freedom and purpose God intended.

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.