Tag: Romans 14:23
Giving by faith!
Scripture reading for August 8: 2 Corinthians 9
“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 time, you may abound in ever good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-9
“For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin!” (Romans 14:23) Paul was encouraging the Corinthians in giving and the importance of willingness and cheerfulness when we give. Preachers can put pressure on the congregation to give through various types of manipulation. This causes feelings of compulsion and that brings a lack of joy or cheerfulness. Paul advocated for strong faith in the act of giving. He likened it to a farmer sowing seed. If there was reluctance and stinginess to sow, then the benefit of the harvest will also be sparing. But if sowing was done with an abundance of seed in faith of a grand harvest, then a bountiful reaping would bring joy.
Paul quoted Psalm 112:9 to encourage cheerful and abundant giving. God is pictured here freely and abundantly scattering His gifts to the poor. This produces an abundant harvest and great joy and thanksgiving. This faithful giving to those who cannot repay, reaps a reward of eternal righteousness. In the same way, God loves to see His children sowing abundantly. God will multiply our seed so we can continue to sow. God will multiply the harvest of souls through the sowing and many will be made righteous! Praise the Lord for the blessing of giving! (Acts 20:35)
Would you characterize your giving to God’s work as bountiful? Sparing? Willing? How does the concept given by Paul of sowing seed help you to have faith and cheerfulness? Is it difficult for you to give your money to God’s work?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for being a cheerful and willing giver of the most precious possession, Your only Son. Thank You for giving the abundant bounty of supply to all humans and animals. We can only say “Thank You Father!” Help me to be an abundant sower and a cheerful and willing giver. Amen.