This title has two true meanings. The gospel is the only way to know how to be forgiven, and the gospel is not a chargeable product. It has been given freely, although at great cost to Jesus, and is to be passed on freely. The Corinthian church had been told by false teachers that Paul's gospel was worthless because he did not charge a fee for teaching it, and he paid for everything he needed. Surely, they would have argued, if the gospel was so wonderful it would have a big price tag, and Paul's wealth would have proved that the gospel was the unique Word from God. Those ideas showed just how false the teachers were (2 Corinthians 11:13).

Jesus had said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8). The principle of giving is part of God's nature which was demonstrated when He sent Jesus to be our Saviour. That principle was extended when Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21). The style of giving for the apostles, and by their example all believers, is to be a personal freewill sacrifice. That is why Paul could not charge. He even wrote to Philemon when sending back a runaway slave, “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.” (Philemon 1:18).

Freewill giving is the fruit of love (Ephesians 1:6). Receiving what is given, is a fruit of grace. Insisting on paying, is a way of controlling and is a fruit of pride. For Paul, his personal finances were irrelevant, he was motivated by love and full of grace, scorning anything which might bring pride (Philippians 3:4-9). Even though the Corinthians did not understand Paul's love for them, and were taught to despise him for his generosity, God did understand and He is the one who rewards faithfulness.

Because we all have needs and many have wants, money is important to most Christians. But God has promised to meet all our needs (Philippians 4:19), so why do we worry and scheme to get more, keep more and give less? It is because we do not trust God. Those who work hard in ministry should be supported (1 Timothy 5:18), but the onus is on the church to give and not on ministers to demand more money. Even if the church fails in their responsibility to supply enough money, food or shelter, the Lord is still the giving God and will provide as He has promised. So, pray that you and your leaders will not give in to temptations of greed or pride; instead that they will love and give as Christ did.