The generous giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)



Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11


Paul wrote the second letter to the Corinthians because false teachers were asserting that Paul couldn't be trusted. They said he lied about his plans and wasn't a real apostle. They also accused him of pocketing the collections for the poor. Paul writes the Corinthians to explain why he changed his itinerary, to encourage them to continue in generosity to the poor, and to defend his apostolic authority. In our text Paul is talking about the results of generosity. He uses the analogy of a farmer sowing his crops to show how being generous will bring a generous return. A farmer must sow many seeds if he wants a plentiful crop. As Christians, we should "sow generously" as well. What does that look like? This can be done in many ways. The obvious answer is monetary. We are to give to the poor generously in relation to what we have been blessed with. Another way we can apply this in our lives is that God gives us each different talents and blessings in life. You can give generously of all the gifts God has given you; be it time, teaching, companionship, and helping others in whatever way you can. 

However, it isn't just about the act of giving, it is also about the intent. When we give, we shouldn't do it "reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). As it says in Deuteronomy 15:10, "Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to" (Deuteronomy 15:10 NIV). Paul explains that when you give generously and with a willing heart, then God will reward you. His reward may look different for each person, but "God is able to make all grace abound to you," for just as God gives to us, who cannot repay Him, so, we too, must give to those who cannot repay us. God will give you what you need at all times, in all things, so you will be able to do more good works (2 Corinthians 9:8). Not only are we to give generously without expectations, we are to remember the reason we're able to. God is the giver of all good things. Using the analogy of the sower again, Paul reminds us who supplies all we need. God will not only give you what you need to sow the seeds, but He will also bless your work. "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion" (2 Corinthians 9:11). When you give to others with a willing heart, God will give you what you need so you are able to give even more. As it says in Luke 6:38, "Give and it will be given to you." And finally, Paul tells us what happens when we do all this; "your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" (2 Corinthians 9:11). Thanksgiving to God is, therefore, the reason we do all this. We give generously and happily to not only show our thanks to God but so that others will thank God, too. So show your thanks to God by sharing the many gifts He has given you. Do it with a willing and cheerful heart and God will reward you, giving you more so you can continue to give. And in all you do, thank God, for it is by His Hand that you are blessed.


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