Examine Our Motives When We Give
Paul writes a succinct reminder to Jesus’s followers in Corinth. By extension it also applies to us. It’s about generosity.
He says “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously,” (2 Corinthians 9:6).
Generosity produces blessing, whereas stinginess results in scarcity. In another letter Paul is more concise: we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7).
So, we should give.
Why? Because the Bible says to.
How? Give with a willing spirit, not begrudgingly but happily (2 Corinthians 9:7).
What Should We Avoid?
Giving to get. Giving to others in order to earn a return on our investment is not generosity but selfishness. Yes, I know people who have given from their poverty and God repaid them one hundredfold.
But the hundredfold blessing seldom came quickly and often involved sacrifice along the way.
When we give in order to get, we miss the point. God discerns our motives (Proverbs 16:2).
Blessed to Be a Blessing
God promised Father Abraham that he and his descendants would be blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2). Or consider that “A generous man will prosper,” (Proverbs 11:25).
Full Circle Generosity
In the Old Testament God says he will bless us so we can bless others. In the New Testament he says when we bless others, he will bless us even more.
The point is, we need to give generously, but we best do so for the right reasons.
[Read through the Bible this year. Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 7-9, and today’s post is on 2 Corinthians 9:6.]
Read more in Peter’s book, Love is Patient (book 7 in the Dear Theophilus series).
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.