SOWING AND REAPING
2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-8
2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-8 NKJ
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
OBSERVATION:
This is one of my very favorite passages regarding finances.
The principle of sowing and reaping is not limited to money. Sowing and reaping is a universal law in the earth. God established this principle, and it works. It works in relationships, in business, and in personal growth. In the letter to the Galatians, Paul clearly stated that God is not mocked. We will reap what we sow. (Galatians 6:7)
In this passage, Paul is talking specifically about sowing finances. The church at Corinth was asked to give towards some other believers who were hurting financially. He addresses the amount sown and the heart behind sowing.
If you sow sparingly or small, you reap small. If you sow big, you reap big. This is a principle that applies in all realms. We understand sowing small or big with a farm or garden. The same principle applies with money and material goods.
Give as you purpose in your heart. This addresses the correct motive for our giving. Giving should be because we want to. We want to bless others. We want to honor God. So, we don't want to give grudgingly or out of compulsion. God loves a cheerful giver.
We know God loves all people, but He loves someone giving with the right heart. God, Himself is a cheerful giver, so when we give the same way, He is honored.
But wait, there's more! A cheerful giver, giving with the right heart, opens the door for God's grace. And when God's grace is involved, good things happen. Having all sufficiency in all things and an abundance for every good work are definitely good things.
APPLICATION:
I have never appreciated being pushed to give. This may have adversely impacted me to the point that I have under-emphasized giving in our church.
And yet these are spiritual truths that, when applied, produce great benefits. Sowing and reaping is real. God is not mocked. His grace makes good things happen. An abundance can make a difference for others. So, keep sowing and don't quit.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Lord, as I sow, I will reap, and Your grace is helping me.