Mission Venture Ministries

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

Generosity is an attitude of gladly sharing whatever we might have, regardless of how much we have. That is what our heavenly Father wants His children to develop, a giving heart and a generous spirit as well. 

A charitable approach to our money and material goods begins by trusting in God. When we accept that He owns everything, we can hold our share with an open hand instead of calculating what little amount we might squeeze out to give to the needy. Christians who give sacrificially trust the Lord to supply generously to cover both their gifts and their own needs. 

Paul knew the principle of sowing and reaping. He knew that generosity begets greater generosity, while stinginess begets a greedy and covetous spirit. And so, to avoid this from happening, Paul told them: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 

This is a principle which is equally evident in the natural world, as well as within the spiritual realm. The abundance of a harvest or lack there of is directly in proportion to the quantity sown. An abundance of seeds, which has been plentifully sown, will bring forth a large harvest, while a meager scattering of seeds; will only produce an insignificant one. 

Paul stated, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Cheerful giving, therefore, should be a way of life for the Christian who understands the grace of God. When we give generously and with a willing heart, God assures us He will watch over us and provide for us (Proverbs 22:9; 2 Corinthians 9:8, 11). 

We need to also remember that it’s not just our money that we are to cheerfully give to God it includes our talents and our time as well. Since our days are numbered (Psalm 139:16), our time indeed belongs to God. And any gifts we have are also from Him; therefore, “each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). 

Every good work, and each generous gesture, whether material or spiritual, will reap a great reward, when carried out by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, with a good and generous attitude. 

When you hear about a need, how do you respond? As believers, we should approach such situations with a selfless and compassionate attitude. True compassion not only tries to understand the pain of others but also provides practical help. 

In times of need, remember that we have the privilege of touching anybody anywhere that has a need, remember that you might be the one confronted in that situation some day. Therefore, we must notice the needs of others and reach out to help them with the love of Christ. 

Cheerful giving that proceeds from a heart that loves to do the will of the Lord in spirit and in truth is applauded, while a gift that is given grudgingly comes from a heart that has misunderstood the true purpose of giving and which sadly misses the blessings that stream into the life of a faithful and true disciple of the Lord. 

Perhaps we should all examine the hidden motives of our heart as we give of our time, our money, our skill and our talents, to see if our hearts are filled with joy and grateful thanks for all that Christ has done for us – or if we are still using our Christian giving in response to legalist bondage, selfish motives or for any other unbiblical purpose. 

Solomon stated: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing” (Proverbs 3:9-10). And Christ Himself told us, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). 

In Proverbs we read that a generous person will prosper and whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed, while Job reminds us that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same. And Paul tells the Corinthian church that “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). 

Let us never forget that God knows the heart. He knows when gifts, whether material or spiritual, are given reluctantly or joyfully. May we be those who give generously to others and to the Lord, in grateful thanks, for the wonderful gift of His only begotten Son or Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Only through giving do we learn that God cannot be out-given. So begin today to cultivate a generous spirit by trusting Him to provide the resources and remember that “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” (2 Corinthians 9:12).

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