2 Corinthians 9:6 - 7

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV). “The point is this” at the beginning of our verse is similar to the verse beginning with therefore; we need to look back and see what was said and how it applies to our verses. The context found there is encouragement to give generously. Paul describes the churches in Macedonia as experiencing a severe test of affection, but yet in their extreme poverty they have an abundance of joy and were willing to give generously. They gave beyond their means and even begging to take part in the relief of the saints. Their approach was to first give themselves to the Lord and then by the will of the Lord they gave sacrificially. Using this example, Paul is now seeking a major gift from among the Corinthians. He has been boasting to other churches of how willing and able the Corinthians were to give a major gift and then gives a serious challenge to the Corinthians to have that gift ready when he arrives. This brings us to our verse about giving.

With this challenge before them to give, Paul gives an example of sowing and reaping: “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” The more seeds of the gospel we sow, the more who will hear and the more who will believe. The more time and money we invest into the kingdom the more it will expand. The more effort we put forth the greater the benefit. How we give financially or invest our time is our choice, but that choice is to be made with the right attitude. God desires our investment, not begrudgingly, but with a cheerful heart desiring to have part in the work

Prayer

Father, I pray that my desire is to see the kingdom of God expand, not my kingdom. Encourage me to invest according to your will that I may experience the joy of involvement.