We see the word “grace” used in 2 Corinthians 8:4. Paul says, “Begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints.” NASB uses “favor.” NIV uses “privilege.” Both are the English translations for the Greek word “charis,” “grace.” Giving to God’s work is often seen as a burden, a reluctant action that will now make us go without something we want to do a whole lot more with that money – not only a horrible thought, but also an unbiblical perspective. It may shock us, but the Bible describes giving as a blessing, a privilege for many reasons. We are blessed when we give. Didn’t Jesus Himself say, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Ac. 20:28). Don’t we read in 2 Corinthians 9:6 that “he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully?” You want bountiful blessings from God? Then you must sow bountifully! How about the long-term blessing too – the spiritual rewards forever in heaven that Jesus promised. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal” (Mt. 6:19-20).