Summary of Principles for Christian Stewardship: 1. Giving is to be in proportion to wealth - 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:3, 11, 12; 9:8-11 (precisely what percentage that might be is never stated by Paul). 2. Giving is to be regarded as a privilege; indeed, it is an act of worship and praise - 2 Cor. 8:4; Phil. 4:15-18. 3. Giving is to be voluntary, not forced - 2 Cor. 8:3,11-12; 9:5,7. 4. Giving is to be preceded by the dedication of oneself to the Lord's work in whatever capacity possible - 2 Cor. 8:5. 5. Giving is to be characterized by a spirit of reciprocity - 2 Cor. 8:13-15. 6. The administration of Christian giving should take into consideration the principles [of integrity] that governed Paul's approach to the collection [he assembled] - 2 Cor. 8:16-24. 7. Giving is to be characterized by forethought and prayer - 2 Cor. 9:7. 8. Giving must never be characterized by sorrow over money lost or by covetousness - 2 Cor. 9:5, 7. 9. Giving should always be cheerful and joyous - 2 Cor. 9:7. 10. Giving should not be undertaken with a view to personal enrichment; rather, one should give with the expectation that God will supply the giver with abundance for additional giving - 2 Cor. 9:8-11. 11. All giving is to be understood as finding its source, power, and pattern in the grace of God in Christ - 2 Cor. 8:1,9; 9:14-15.
Sam Storms

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