Church leaders need to maintain integrity in the way they handle finances, the topic of the next post, but also need to encourage people to maintain integrity in giving. The Apostle Paul approached this topic with the Corinthian Church. In the first 15 verses of 2 Corinthians 8 we can glean a number of factors that go into giving with integrity. Church leaders should encourage people accordingly both by word, deed, and example.
What Does Integrity in Giving Look Like?
Let me encourage you to first read through 2 Corinthians 8 as this post will provide only the factors pulled from the verses, not the Scripture text itself.
1) Giving should be seen as an “act of grace” which leaves no room for boasting or hope of personal gain but rather seeks the good of others. (2 Cor. 8:1, 6-7)
2) Giving should not be limited by one’s circumstances. (2 Cor. 8:2-3)
3) Giving should be voluntary. (2 Cor.8:3)
4) Giving should be viewed as a privilege, as a means of working in cooperation and fellowship with God. (2 Cor. 8:4)
5) Giving should grow out of relationship, first to the Lord and then to others. (2 Cor. 8:5)
6) Giving sometimes needs to be encouraged through reminders. (2 Cor. 8:6)
7) Giving should be something we seek to grow in along with other aspects of life in Christ. (2 Cor. 8:7)
8) Giving can be an expression of our love. (2 Cor. 8:7-8, 24)
9) Giving should follow the example of Christ. (2 Cor. 8:9)
10) Giving to fulfill vows or promises is important not just so the church gets the money but because it is for the good of the individual to be a person of integrity. (2 Cor. 8:10-11)
11) Giving should be done according to one’s means. (2 Co. 8:11-15)
When the above factors are encouraged, people will be giving with integrity. That is the kind of giving with which God is pleased. That is the kind of giving that demonstrates Christ-like qualities. That is the kind of giving that helps propel the Church forward.
These factors are included in the Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide along with a brief challenge under each of the eleven points for leaders.
All Posts about Budgeting and Finances:
- Budget Fit Your Church Purpose?
- Budget Process of Body Life?
- Budget Fostering Body Life?
- Church Financial Management & Budgeting Resources
- Budget Reflect the Great Commission?
- Church Finances & Christlikeness
- Praying About Church Finances is the Christ-like Thing to Do
- Encourage Integrity in Giving
- Managing Finances with Integrity
- Finances & The Way the Church Functions
- Gospel Affects Even Our Finances
- Grace Affects Giving
- Financial Consultants & the Church
- Financial Management in the Church
- Church Finances & the Spiritual Gift of Giving
- Prayer an Integral Part of Church Finances?
- Perspective When Praying about Finances
- Priorities When Praying about Finances
- God’s Word Helps with Church Finances
- Generosity Affected by the Name of the Lord
- Help for Working on Church Budgets
- Before Closing Your Doors, Remember God’s Resurrection Power
- Impact of Leaders’ Example on Church Finances
- The Impact of a Leaders’ Attitude Toward Money
I need to have a good encourage verse that will improve my giving in this our generation
Greetings in our Lord, Pst George Oaya. A few verses come to mind that could be helpful. From 1 Corinthians 9:6-8, you can remind people that “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” From Matthew 6:33, you can encourage people that when they put God’s kingdom first, He’ll take care of them. From 2 Corinthians 9:11-15, you can point to the effects of their giving, that it will make a difference. And, from 2 Corinthians 8:7-9, you can emphasize that giving is a demonstration of their love.
Thanks alot sir for my reply. Am grateful how one can relate giving with integrity.
You are welcome, George Oaya. As stated in the post, that is the kind of giving with which God is pleased.