Scripture - 2 Cor 9:6-10 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 so let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you , always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in every thing for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
Observation - Paul is talking to a very advanced society here in Corinth. He has written these two books to them and in the first one discusses much about Spiritual gifting and order and in this second book speaks much about giving and freely giving to the poor and those less fortunate. The overarching theme in both books is salvation in Christ. This scripture in 2 Cor 9 is indicative of Paul's encouragement to the Corinthians to be people that give. He instructs them to give richly and bountifully so that it will be given to them bountifully. He uses a farming analogy of sowing and reaping. When the farmer sows much seed into the ground he expects a bountiful harvest. He goes on to say that God makes sure that all the supplies that you need are available. That you will have what you need. He will bless you and give to you so that you will give thanksgiving to Him.
Application - To give, to give, to give. A principle that can be strained in an economy like the one we have. There is a spiritual dynamic taking place as we give from a cheerful heart not grudging. When we give as giving to the Lord, we are moving things in the spirit that begin to align and work on our behalf. Not matter how hard it is we must (yes must) give.
Prayer - Father I know that when times are tough - giving becomes harder and harder. But God help me to have the faith and the knowledge that you own everything anyway. I know that you will supply all our needs according your riches in glory. God thanks for all you do and are doing in our lives.
