Letters to the Corinthians
Church Relationship | Part 11 - The Rewards of Generosity (2 Corinthians 9)
Our finances are not a stockpile to be guarded, but a seed to be sown for a spiritual harvest. Cheerful, generous giving is an act of faith that God uses to answer the prayers of those in need. As we give, we find that God doesn't empty our hands, but rather refills them so we can participate in a beautiful cycle of provision and blessing. Ultimately, our generosity becomes a powerful testimony, proving our faith is real and causing everyone to give glory back to God.
Footnotes
- Reaping and Sowing. Why should the Corinthians give generously? (v. 5) Paul gave two reasons. (1) A principle holds true in both the natural and the spiritual spheres: the size of a harvest corresponds to the scope of the sowing (cf. Prov. 11:24–26). A man may enjoy all his grain by eating it, or he may “lose” some of it by sowing it and later reaping a bountiful harvest. A spiritual harvest, of course, may differ in kind from the seed sown. Material seed may reap a spiritual harvest (2 Cor. 9:9; cf. 1 Cor. 9:11). (2) Another reason for giving generously is that God loves generosity. God prizes not the size of the gift (cf. Acts 11:29; 1 Cor. 16:2), but the giver’s sincerity (not reluctantly), spontaneity (not under compulsion), and joyful willingness (a cheerful giver). David K. Lowery, “2 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 575.
Supporting Scriptures
Exhortation for the Week
Pursue the rewards of generosity in your life, and in the lives of others.