“³And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.”

Nothing causes more stress in Christian circles than to talk about money. Either the church is criticized for talking about it too much, or we reluctantly give up our money, kicking and screaming, expecting great rewards for our assumed generosity. First off, while God desires us to be generous toward Him and others out of the abundance of His blessings and grace in our lives, He doesn’t need our money! Peter made that clear when a sorcerer named Simon wanted to contribute his money: “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:20). Jesus Himself said the poor widow’s two small coins were worth more than the bellicose offerings of the wealthy religious people (Mark 12:42).

To be sure, Scripture does teach generosity, with the OT tithes and offerings, and the better part of two chapters in Paul’s second letter to the carnal Corinthians (2 Cor. 8–9), not to mention his praise for the generosity of the Macedonians and the Philippians. However, in order for it to have any value, the teaching is conditioned by love.

Now some, especially those charged with raising funds for a worthy Christian project or outreach, might be quick to say that giving with love is the ideal, but even money given without it will help the cause. Some entice giving with the prospect of the donor’s name displayed prominently or with special meals or treatment provided. Some dangle earthly rewards of prosperity, or even eternal rewards—the idea is the same, “Give because you will get something in return.” Yet Paul absolutely and adamantly undercuts all such thinking. All financial giving does not profit me anything if I do not have love.

But doesn’t this verse imply that there is benefit, or profit, to the person who has love? It all depends on what that profit is. Our giving in love accomplishes much, like a profit that continuously gets reinvested for the benefit of others. Love compounds our giving.

Paul extends this even to the point of giving of one’s life. Yes, self-sacrifice can actually be performed for completely selfish reasons. One could attempt such sacrifice as payment to get into heaven, to go down in history for heroic behavior, or to extend one’s own memory and worldly adulation. Even accepting martyrdom for Christ can be selfish. How many of us have lamented that our sacrifice for Christ is often overlooked by others?

Lord, I confess my selfishness in wanting to be noticed for my sacrifice for You and for others. I want my life to make a difference, but only for Your glory.