What is the beauty of God's grace in the Christian life?
God's grace is beautiful because He preserves the believer's free will in giving. Under Paul's teaching, no set amount is mandated; ten percent serves only as a guideline. Believers give as God has prospered them, without being forced, though they may lose reward in glory if they withhold.
Les explains that the beauty of the Christian life and the beauty of God's grace is that God has left us with free will. We can give as much as we want, but He does not put the thumb on our head and demand 10 percent. Ten percent is a guideline for a giver. God is not going to zap you if you do not give 10 percent. You may lose some reward in glory, but under Paul's teaching you are under no mandate to give a set amount. It is up to you as a believer, as God has prospered you, and He respects your free will enough that you will give as much as you can. Paul also wanted the Corinthians to have their collection ready before he arrived, so they would not be under his influence or give merely to impress him.
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.