The early church in the province of Macedonia was used by Paul as an excellent example of the right attitude of generosity. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul speaks of the attitude the Macedonians had when they gave -- generous, sacrificial and expectant giving.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." One can paraphrase this as saying, "expect that God will provide for your needs."
But is it really right to expect something in return as we give to God? Doesn't that kind of mindset label God as more of a good investment than a good God? The issue all lies in the heart really. I am not one to deny that many believers start giving their tithe and/or offering only as a means of twisting God's arm.
"I'm going to give to you, Lord, but make sure you give it back."
"Here's my tithe, Father, so don't make me feel sorry about giving this."
When the heart is centered on our needs, our purposes and our intentions, giving or not giving will always come from a wrong posture. Consequently, it never becomes pleasing to God's eyes.
However, when the heart is centered on the worship of God through our giving, and the assurance of a faithful God and not simply of a return on investment, we act in faith. And God's Word makes it clear that faith pleases God.
When 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "God loves a cheerful giver," it doesn't mean that God expects us to give a big smile as we drop checks. Rather, it means that the heart will be in celebration of God's goodness rather than out of a fear of lack and uncertainty.
If there is anything we can be expectant of, it is that God will be faithful and gracious at all times, and that as we act in generosity, God will continue to show just how we can never outgive Him.
We never give out of compulsion or out of duty. God is most pleased when generosity comes out of the abundance of a heart that understands that we are already blessed with every spiritual blessing because of what Jesus has done for us. As we come deeper and deeper to an understanding of God's grace, we respond only with an act of generosity toward others and toward the ministry.
There is nothing wrong with having an expectant attitude toward generous giving as long as we know in our hearts that we receive not because we're in charge but because God is. God will always reward an act of faith because it is in His nature to be generous as well, but God is also wise and sees the motives of our hearts as we give.
