Sowing Generously
For Meditation
I used to think that Christians shouldn’t give in order to get anything in return — that the only motivation for our giving should be a response of gratitude to God. But then a friend challenged me on this, suggesting to me that Christians still give out of self-interest, but that the gospel should change what the self is interested in!
My friend’s challenge very much aligns with Paul’s message in this section. "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Cor 9:6). When a farmer “gives away” his or her seed into the ground, they do so very much expecting something in return– an abundant harvest! In fact, the farmer doesn’t even really conceive of sowing seed as “giving,” but rather investing in a future return.
In this section, Paul is continuing to challenge the Corinthians about their giving, but rather than shaming them or making them feel guilty, he holds out all the many benefits they will receive when they generously give. He wants them to experience the abundant harvest that flows into our lives when we give: provision, gratitude, community, and eternal reward, to name a few. He is encouraging them to give so they will get so much more in return.
In preparation for worship this Sunday, reflect on a time when your giving resulted in a harvest for your personally- when you felt that you received more back even than you gave. Thank God for that and invite him to bring more of those experiences into your life.
2 Corinthians 9:6–15
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 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. 9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”
10 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. 11 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.
12 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. 13 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. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!