“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. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, ‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
I have to admit there are times I am a stingy, reluctant giver instead of a cheerful generous giver.
Just like I mentioned in the sermon last Sunday morning we may at times cringe when we hear the words, ‘obey’ and ‘submit’ in regard to authority over us, when it comes to giving when we are encouraged to be ‘cheerful’ and ‘generous’ we may have negative feelings regarding tithes and offerings as well.
Paul mentions here that God loves a cheerful giver. He encourages generosity. Other parts of Scripture speak of our giving our firstfruits unto God. In our giving we need to keep not only the principles of this passage in mind, but we also need to remember that we have been given much by God. We are blessed. We have received God’s mercy and grace. May we grow in cheerful generosity when it comes to our giving instead of focusing on the wrong things.