Read 2 Corinthians 9:1–15
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Farmers reap immediate physical benefits as they work in their fields,
but they have to wait for the harvest. Christians who are motivated
by grace reap the blessings of personal enrichment in their own lives
and characters, and their enrichment benefits others. The final result
is glory to God as others give thanks to Him. Paul was careful to point
out that grace giving does not bring credit to us; it brings thanksgiving to God. We are but channels through whom God works to meet
the needs of others.
God enriches us so that we may give even more bountifully
(2 Cor. 9:8–11). One of the blessings of grace giving is the joy of
giving more and more. Everything we have—not just our income—
belongs to God, is given to God, and is used by God to accomplish
His work. We are enriched in everything with Him and with others.
Grace giving means that we really believe that God is the great
Giver, and we use our material and spiritual resources accordingly. We
simply cannot outgive God!
Something to Ponder
When you give to the church, to what extent do you want to see
definite (and perhaps immediate) results? What does this say about
your motivation for giving?