“The generous will be themselves be blessed,
for they share their food with the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9 NIV
We should give to help others and God says we will be blessed in return.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will 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.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV
2 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. He is writing the church to refute false teachings in Corinth. So, when we read 2 Corinthians, we are reading instructions on our Christian walk. God wants us to be generous with each other. This giving is a character trait. It is something that we embody and become and it has nothing to do with the receiver of our generosity.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.’
2 Corinthians 9:8-9 NIV
We give because we recognize that the source of our resources comes from God. God blesses us because of our generosity. Our giving will last forever as we sow a seed of generosity that encourages others to do the same.
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV
God rewards our generosity by giving us more to be generous with because our generosity allows others to experience God through us. God is glorified through our giving.
Thanksgiving in the verse is the Greek word “eucharistia.” It means an expression of thanks, gratitude. It comes from the term “Eucharist” which is a central act of Christian worship. God regards our giving as thanksgiving to Him.
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”
2 Corinthians 9:12-13 NIV
Our generosity gives us the opportunity to witness to others. It gives us an opportunity to share the Good News of God.
“And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:14-15 NIV
