Scripture
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.
Reflection
Paul is urging the Corinthians to honour their promise to give generously to meet the needs of Christians in Jerusalem.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Paul explains the benefits attached to generous giving and the attitude to adopt as regards to giving.
The principle of sowing and reaping mentioned in verse 6 is something we can easily relate to, when we observe the practice of working the ground to reap a harvest. Just as a farmer needs to sow abundantly to gain a great harvest, so should we in our giving. In doing so, we notice that our giving doesn’t only bless the receiver but also the giver.
Regarding the amount we give, it should not be manipulated by anyone, we should give as we have decided in our heart and as God has put it in our heart to give.
Our attitude towards giving matters more to God than just our giving, for God loves the cheerful giver.
Just as Jesus Christ did not give himself reluctantly to die on the cross for our sins (John 10:17-18), in the same way we should not give reluctantly or under compulsion but rather cheerfully. May we always be givers who give generously and cheerfully.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Take time to pray Psalm 96. Allow it to shape prayers of thanksgiving as you are reminded of who God is.