In review of 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 it says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (NIV).
People often have hesitations about giving generously to God. They worry about having enough left to meet their own needs. Paul assures the Corinthians that God would always meet their needs. A person who gives only a little will receive only a little in return. Having a giving attitude is more important than the amount that I give. God himself is a cheerful giver. God is pleased when we who are created in his image give generously and joyfully like him. Having difficulty in letting go and giving may reflect ungratefulness to God.
The principle of sowing and reaping applies to every area of life, not just my money. Whatever I sow in life, I’m going to reap. Whatever I deposit is going to be returned to me. If I sow criticism in life, I’ll reap criticism from others. If I sow kindness, I’m going to reap kindness. It’s the law of the harvest. If I plant apple seeds, I don’t get pears; I get apples. If I sow with generosity, I’ll reap generosity.
This is the principle of the harvest: Whenever I have a need, plant a seed. When a farmer looks at his barren fields, he doesn’t gripe about it. He just goes out and starts planting some seeds. If he only has a little bit of seed, he has a choice. He can either hoard it or give it away. If he holds on to it, that’s all he’s got. If he gives it away, God will multiply it. The amazing thing is this: I don’t just reap what I sow. I always reap more!
God set it up this way because he wants me to become like him. God is a giver. The only way that I’m ever going to become like him is to learn to be generous. When I’m stingy, I’m like the Enemy. When I’m generous, I’m like God. When I give it away, God multiplies it.
This sounds illogical, to give away when you have a need so that you will get more back. But that’s why it requires faith! God says the way I get is by giving, not by holding on.
In summary, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously. Give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion. God loves a cheerful giver and will always meet my needs. Having a giving attitude is more important than the amount that is given. God is pleased when we give generously and joyfully like him. Having difficulty in giving reflects ungratefulness to God. This principle of sowing and reaping applies to every area of life, not just money. Whatever I sow in life, I'll reap. If I sow with generosity, I'll reap generosity in my life. Amazingly enough, if I give it away, God will multiply it. I don't just reap what I sow, I'll always reap more. The way I get is by giving, not holding on.
This morning with this verse and study, I’m reminded that sowing and reaping applies to everything in life. I need to sow and not be stingy with my time and attention to people. My day can go by pretty quickly and be filled with work tasks and silence in my morning commute on the light rail, followed by an evening at home watching TV. I need to focus on relationships with others outside of the work context. I also need to sow generosity and assistance in the assistance I can provide at work.
Father this morning, I pray that the Holy Spirit help me keep this perspective in what I do and handle life. I pray for wisdom and guidance for my day today, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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