January 15, 2023 A CHEERFUL GIVER
2 Corinthians 9:6-8,10-11 “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything you may have an abundance for every good deed.” “Now He who supplies seeds to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.”
The truths presented in this passage of scripture are counter-culture; the culture promotes getting while the kingdom of God promotes giving. God is a giving God and it only stands to reason that His followers would be givers as well. The fact that God loves a cheerful giver should serve as a motivation for us the be ones who have a giving nature. The simple truth that is so powerful and life-changing is the law of sowing and reaping. The awesome good news for us is that if we sow bountifully we shall also reap bountifully; and the opposite is also true; if we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly. This principle of sowing and reaping has a way of exposing our hearts; and it also exposes whether one is living for self or living according to the ways of God. Our sowing must not be done to bring attention to ourselves and we must not take credit for the good works we might do. It is God who enables us to sow good seed-and He gives us seeds to sow, AND He multiplies our seed for sowing-we will never run out of seed! Because God’s grace abounds to us, we are sufficient for every good deed. As we are about sowing good seeds, God supplies all of our needs. There are limitless numbers of ways to sow good seeds; it may be giving in some material way; we can give words that would bless and encourage; we may meet a physical need that someone has; we may visit the sick; we may pray for someone; prepare a meal; we can sow seeds of forgiveness….and the possibilities go on. If we truly know God and we know our true identity as believers, it will be our nature to sow good seeds-we are not to give or sow under compulsion. This principle of sowing and reaping does not mean that we must meet every single need we see; but it does mean that we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in prompting us as to how and when we can sow good seeds; we should have the attitude of looking for ways be givers-not looking for excuses to withhold. God says that He will increase the harvest of our righteousness and that we will be enriched in everything for all liberality! We can give out of the abundance that God supplies. The end result is that sowing good seeds produces thanksgiving to God.
Proverbs 11:24-25 “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessings will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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