https://odb.org/2026/06/15/given-to-give
2 Corinthians 9:6–15 (NIV): 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 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. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 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. 11 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. 12 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. 13 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. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Equally amazing was that even though Stanley wasn’t wealthy or savvy at investing, his small investment did impressively well, enabling him to keep giving. Whenever someone thanked him, he’d point upwards and smile, as if to say, “It came from God, not me.” God, he often said, helped him to help others.
This was what Paul alluded to in 2 Corinthians 9 as he wrote about giving. Proud of the Corinthians’ readiness to help fellow believers (v. 2), he hoped to pick up a collection they had started (v. 3). Imploring them to give generously and cheerfully, he noted that God would not only reward those who gave (vv. 6-7) but also bless people so they could give even more (v. 8). (Leslie Koh, Our Daily Bread 15th June 2023)
A fundamental spiritual principle we all know by now is that we reap what we sow. It was an easy principle to relate to the ancient Jews as most were farmers and toil the land. If we sow good seeds, we get a good harvest. Of course, a good soil toiled properly is an essential factor. Weather also plays an important role as ancient agriculture relies on rainwater or rivers. That is why the Old Testament stories often revolved around such themes and on how God intervened during famines like the story of Joseph saving the clan of Jacob, the ancient clan that led to the birth of Jesus Christ many, many years down the road. Or how Elijah was fed by the widow with little olive oil and flour for months during a great time of famine.
One consequential principle to “we reap what we sow” is “generosity breeds generosity”. If we are generous to people, God is likewise generous to us. In fact, Paul implies that the Lord will ensure that we will be able to continue blessing others, by blessing us. Not so much an exchange but more like a necessity in the sense if we have nothing, we will not be able to bless anyone with anything.
Some prosperity gospel ministers however preach that as we give into their ministries, God will open the gates of heaven and pour out abundant blessings upon us. Some believers unfortunately saw this as a quick get rich formula. Hence, the coining of the term, “prosperity gospel”. Meaning we could become prosperous or wealthy by giving to God.
Many years ago when I was a university student with little money, I attended a seminar and heard this preached. I was tempted by the 10 or even hundred fold blessings of my giving or pledge. The preacher even went to the extent to encourage us to swipe our credit cards (which I didn’t have then!) believing that God will bless us with the finance to pay off that credit when its due, and much more!
After many years as a believer of Christ, nowadays, I’ll give if prompted by the Holy Spirit but more to individuals in need or worthy causes like missions. It stems from God having blessed me with much from the little I used to have. As a way for me to repay Him via the body of Christ or society at large for His goodness and generosity, and grace and faithfulness in my life and my family. Perhaps 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (see below) will become a reality to me.
“10 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. 11 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.“
But even if not strictly in that fashion, I will still willingly give, as prompted by the Holy Spirit, to those in need, especially to our own brethren in Christ and it is my prayer that all of us will develop this habit of giving and make generosity a part of our spiritual character.
Have a good week ahead, everyone! May the LORD our God bless us with wisdom and discernment, and His grace even as we face various issues at work or in school or elsewhere, in all that we do! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 