"Offerings"(2 Corinthians 8:12-13)

 2 Corinthians 8:12-13

Christians are familiar with putting money in the offering box. We say that we are giving this money to God, but the reality is that God does not need our money or resources. If anyone who needs money, it is us. It is hard to live without money in our world.

God created all things and money is par of that creation. Although God may not have created money directly, through us, money was created. We were created in God’s image to carry on His purposes and to continue to create. Like all things created, money is not bad.

'This is the written account of Adam’s family line. When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God. '

Genesis 5:1

 Like all things in our world, money in itself is not bad but can be used in wrong ways. There are many accounts of evil people who donated their money to causes that have helped save the lives of many. Money coming from a good person or bad person also does not make money evil. So, we all need money and use money, but how do we make an offering to God? Paul talks about offerings suing three different words.

 I. Koinonia

Koinonia is one word Paul uses. There is no direct translation of this word into English but looking at three different English translations may give us some better understanding of the word’s meaning. The NLT version from Romans 15:26 reads, “offering for the poor among the believers,” whereas the NIV version is “make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people,” and the NSVR uses, “share their resources with the poor among the saints.” These different translations show us that the offering is not always money, but it can include resources. Koinonia also is about making a relationship with others in an intimate bond of support.

 'For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 'Romans 15:26 NLT

 ‘For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. ' Romans 15:26 NIV

 'for Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. ' Romans 15:26 NSVR

 II. Diakoneo

 Another Greek word Paul uses is diakoneo. This is the practice of serving one another. It is to show our willingness or eagerness to do God’s work and glorify God. These offerings or donations are to serve others while glorifying God.

 'What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. '  2 Corinthians 8:19-20 NIV

 'He was appointed by the churches to accompany us as we take the offering to Jerusalem —a service that glorifies the Lord and shows our eagerness to help. We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. ' 2 Corinthians 8:19-20 NLT

 'and not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us while we are administering this generous undertaking for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our goodwill. We intend that no one should blame us about this generous gift that we are administering, ' 2 Corinthians 8:19-20 NSVR

 This service is not charity. Charity is when we have more or are in a better position to help others less fortunate than us. Also, the expectation of charity is to be rewarded. Serving is the practice of helping others because we must as our duty. We are not expecting a reward, but rather we do this because we know this is what is required of us. Jesus addresses in Matthew.

 ' “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ' Matthew 6:2 NIV

 III. Charites

 The third word Pal uses is charites which means privilege or in some versions grace. Paul shows us that offering is a privilege or grace that we can show other people who are God is.

 'they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. '  

2 Corinthians 8:4 NIV

 Whenever we give an offering to the church, it goes to one of other brothers or sisters in Christ. The money in the offering box is just money, but when it is used to serve God be supporting one of our brothers or sisters, it then becomes an offering. The people who respond to the grace of God and are willing to give make an offering otherwise it is just money going into a box or envelope.

 'For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. '

 2 Corinthians 8:12-13 NIV

The willingness needs grace and an understanding that we are sinners who have been saved through Jesus’ sacrifice. Our gifts are acceptable by what one has and not what is beyond our means. It is not about the amount, but what our situation allows. Some give as much as they can because they expect to get some gain, but this is wrong thinking. We should give to create equality. We need to remember that we are all brothers and sisters, and we all need to support one another. We also need to accept help from one another.

 God has given us a great gift and we can respond to that great gift through grace and give offerings for God to help his people, who are our brothers and sisters, as needed.