Tuesday, July 14, 2009
2 Corinthians 9:6-12
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. (ESV)
by John H. Camenga
Contributions for suffering believers prompted Paul’s words. What are my “gardening practices” when it comes to planting for a spiritual yield? I should not expect a bumper crop unless I invest the seed required. A second principle relates to attitude. Cheerfulness is fertile soil that increases yield. To top it off, Paul reminded his readers that even the seed we use was provided by God.
I am more likely to find joy in giving when I am understand the spiritual benefits, the appropriate attitude, and the source of what I share when I make my contribution.
Copyright Information
Daily Bible Meditations are taken from The Helping Hand,a Sabbath School student quarterly for youth and adults. Copyright © 2010, Seventh Day Baptist Board of Christian Education, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked "ESV" are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.
