2 Corinthians 9:6-8: The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
Paul uses agriculture imagery to advocate that the sower has the freedom to plant as much seed as he chooses, either sparingly or bountifully. Similarly, each of us must look into our own heart and decide how much to give to the work of ministry, whether sparingly or generously.
The idea that God loves a cheerful giver is to remind us that giving is not to be done with an attitude of reluctance or regret over parting with what is given.
The ide of all grace assures us that God will supply all we need at all times. A reluctance to give then is a refusal to trust that God is all sufficient and gracious beyond measure.
Paul is not passing on this principle of bountiful giving as a promise that God will reward generous givers so they can consume it according to our own desires as some TV preachers advocate.
Let’s pray:
God,
We thank you that you make all grace abound towards us, that you provide all sufficiency for us at all times. Forgive us when are selfish, untrusting and not cheerful givers. Grant us opportunities to give of our money and our time for Your Glory. That others may come into a reconciled relationship with You.
I pray these things in Jesus name, amen.
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