2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 (NIV)
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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Explanation:
Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth detailing instructions and guidance on generosity and service to others. This was basically a fundraising letter for the mother church in Jerusalem, telling them to prepare for his upcoming visit.
There had been an economic downturn in Judea, specifically in Jerusalem. Most jobs at that time were related to the temple, a massive undertaking. However, the Sadducees (aristocratic priests) ran things. They denied the resurrection of the dead, so the resurrection of Christ was a problem for them. Believers were now at odds with the temple, and thousands of Christians were fired. Add a famine on top, and you have a crisis.
To address these concerns, Paul drew from Isaiah 55:10 when he wrote that God supplies the resources from which we live. Paul linked God’s indescribable gift to us, Jesus’ death on the cross, to their giving. Jesus’ death on the cross is the basis for our gifts. We have what we have because of God’s generosity and love. This reminds me of the teenager who threatens to run away, but the parent instructs the child to leave everything at home when they go because nothing truly belongs to them. There are 2,350 Biblical passages regarding money and material things. This is more than any other subject but talked about the least. People are afraid to offend anyone. The world tells us to save, invest, and indulge. God says give it away. God wants us to enjoy generosity, not do it begrudgingly. He takes this personally.
Do we spend wisely on needs, or are we duped into consumerism by skilled marketing tactics? We need to be content simply because God is with us. If we change our thinking about giving, our behaviors will change, leading to generosity, and generosity always succeeds in transforming lives. Generosity to God’s children is generosity to Him. Our mindset will only change if we are willing to step out of our comfort zone and eliminate excuses.
It is important to remember Matthew 6:21 (NIV):“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” When my daughter got sick, I researched painstakingly. I wanted to know more about her diagnosis, doctors, the hospital, medications and side effects, accommodations, treatment plan, ongoing care, etc. I even looked up parking and where to get coffee. I continue to be invested in her care because she is my heart. My heart was at that hospital, so I invested time, energy, and finances. We need to take daily inventory of our hearts.
Application:
What is your passion? Where is your heart? Make a conscious effort to take inventory.
Give a little bit extra this week, and journal the experience. What did you decide to do? What were your thoughts before and after giving? Did the Holy Spirit call to you? Did you see the fruits of your gift?
Share this concept with your children, friends, or family members. Do it together and discuss.
Devo Plus:
Philippians 4, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6, Proverbs 15, Acts 11, and Luke 14.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see giving and generosity as blessings to You, as well as to us. We have been told You have a perfect plan. Help us remember this when we are given opportunities to glorify You through generosity. Remind us that when we are generous, You have used us to care for others. Help us remember the farmer does not withhold seeds, but plants many for a successful crop. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones, have faith, add purposeful giving to the budget, and bless others generously.