| Although there are a multitude of doctrines within | | | | grace is a personal decision, of our own accord, then |
| Christianity, it could be said that its preeminent doctrine | | | | nobody can command it from us. The converse is also |
| is that of grace. All faiths have a central doctrine, but it | | | | true. If something has to be commanded, then it's not |
| usually consists of a set of rules or bylaws. This is | | | | grace, and it's really not even giving. Grace can't be |
| what separates Christianity from all other faiths, | | | | given as an obligation, or for some deserved merit or |
| because its core doctrine is not a law. | | | | favor. Remember, it is unmerited favor. Giving in order |
| We often say this word "grace," especially in church | | | | to satisfy some law or command is actually paying |
| on Sunday mornings, but how well do we really | | | | instead of giving. This is what makes Christianity so |
| understand its meaning? It is sometimes defined as | | | | unique, because we do not live under the law. |
| unmerited favor, but this definition only scratches the | | | | If we give in grace, then we don't expect anything in |
| surface of its deeper meaning. Fortunately, the Bible | | | | return, just like when we give to a beggar on the |
| itself provides its own definition and explanation in 2 | | | | street. We give out of compassion, because we want |
| Corinthians 8 and 9. Many Christians understand that | | | | to, not out of legalism, because we have to. |
| this passage explains how we should give our money, | | | | Jesus Christ is our best example. He gave to the |
| but the connection to the word "grace" is often | | | | extent that he was actually willing to become poor. |
| overlooked. | | | | The key is the desire to give. Grace occurs when we |
| In the very first verse of this passage, in introducing his | | | | become ready to give, and we decide to do so. |
| topic, Paul says, "We want you to know about the | | | | Grace is given cheerfully, zealously and bountifully, not |
| grace that God has given the Macedonian churches." | | | | grudgingly, and free from covetousness or any |
| Although this verse may seem of minimal importance | | | | pressure or compulsion. It is never right for anyone to |
| as only introductory verbiage, this is not the case. | | | | pressure someone else to give. It is each person's |
| What is it that he wants the members of the church | | | | decision, according to what that person feels in his |
| at Corinth to know, and to understand? It's grace. This | | | | heart. Perhaps this is why many people have difficulty |
| is a key verse because Paul is actually saying that the | | | | in understanding key doctrine. It involves making |
| following paragraphs will explain this critical doctrine. He | | | | personal decisions, and people are often reluctant to |
| wants the Corinthians to understand it, and he is going | | | | make decisions. They would rather that someone else |
| to use the Macedonian churches as an example of it. | | | | make their decisions for them, like their boss, or their |
| Also in this verse, he says that this it is something that | | | | pastor. |
| God has given, so the first thing we learn about it is | | | | God is the one who makes grace abound in us. |
| that it involves giving, and, indeed, it is unmerited favor. | | | | Ephesians 1:6-8 says that He not only gives us grace, |
| God gives grace to church members, and they are to | | | | but He lavishes it upon us. Philippians 4:4-13 says that |
| pass it on to others. The terms "grace" and "giving" | | | | God wants us to be truly happy and content, but we |
| can often even be used interchangeably. | | | | can do so only by understanding and recognizing |
| Verse 2 says that this grace should be given liberally, | | | | God's sovereignty. When we know that God is the |
| not sparingly. Verse 3 adds to the definition by | | | | One who is in charge, we will have peace. We should |
| explaining that giving is a personal decision, of one's | | | | rejoice in God, not ourselves. |
| own accord. Since the whole Christian life is based | | | | When Moses brought the law to the Jewish people, it |
| upon a personal (not a corporate) relationship with | | | | was a way of life for them. However, Jesus brought |
| Jesus Christ, it shouldn't surprise us that our giving is | | | | grace, truth, and freedom from the law. Christians are |
| also personal. Each of us is accountable for our own | | | | to live according to grace as a way of life. The |
| giving, but we also make our own decisions about | | | | legalism of the law enslaved people, but Christ has |
| where to give and how much to give. If we violate this | | | | freed them. |
| important principal by giving according to what | | | | The short definition of grace is simply giving, and doing |
| someone else (perhaps our pastor) thinks we should | | | | so both voluntarily and cheerfully. God gives us His |
| give, then we're not giving in the way that we should. | | | | grace, and we give it to others. Christians must |
| We should be so excited about giving that we beg to | | | | understand this central theme of Christianity in order to |
| participate. The grace method of giving involves first | | | | live the Christian life of submission and obedience to |
| giving (sacrificing) oneself to the Lord, and then the | | | | God. Grace is indeed unmerited. It is not deserved, or |
| giving of one's possessions to others. | | | | given in exchange for something. Christianity is the only |
| With this clear understanding of grace, then it only | | | | belief system that establishes such a personal |
| makes sense that it is not something that can be | | | | relationship with God. Romans 6:14 says, "For sin shall |
| commanded. Here again we see the uniqueness of | | | | not be your master, because you are not under the |
| the Christian faith because of this core doctrine. If | | | | law, but under grace. |