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Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14; II Corinthians 9:1-15; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 22:24-25
“Remember this: the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart – not out of regret or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.
As it is written: He has scattered; He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever. Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness, as you are enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but it is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. Through the proof of this service, they will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others. And in their prayers for you they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God on you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (II Corinthians 9:6-15)
The Corinthian church had some time back made an offer of a large gift to one of the struggling Macedonian churches. Paul, knowing that some time has lapsed, is bringing it back to their remembrance. He even sent a brother ahead of him to remind them so they could be sure to pull the gift together and have it ready so that no one would be embarrassed when He and the Macedonian brothers arrived. Paul felt it should be a sizable gift since they had a year to prepare.
It’s so cool how Paul did that. He knows human nature. At the time the gift was offered the Corinthians may have been in good spirits and compelled by the need to help. Time has passed and the need is still there, and the gift has been waited on and expected. Now, the season has come to collect the gift, and Paul didn’t want there to be an awkwardness because the task of collecting the money has possibly fallen through the crack.
Because they had offered a generous gift Paul is reminding them about the process of sowing and reaping. This concept of sowing and reaping works in every manner of life, from money to how we would like to be treated. We get what we give. The apostle urges us to be extravagant in our giving to the people and things of God and reminds us that God sees the thoughts and motivation of our hearts. God appreciates the one who gives with a good attitude out of their abundant admiration and love for Him.
Paul tells us that when we are cheerful givers, blessing according to our ability, that God will make His grace flow toward us, meet our needs and it also provides an occasion to cause someone else to give God praise. I don’t know if you’ve ever been the recipient of a financial blessing, but I can tell you it brings about such a gratitude in the heart of the one that was so pressed and so in need. Through our obedience it also helps others to know that we are kingdom minded, God is real, and He is able to provide through His children.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray to be a generous person. Please help me to always be proactive, to run toward a need instead of backing away. I ask You to provide plenty so that I can always be a blessing to Your kingdom and to the needs of individuals. My hope is that You will receive much glory through my deeds. If ever I promise someone something and they are counting on me, please help me to be faithful to fulfill it. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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