Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
“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” (2 Corinthians, 9:10-11)
There are many false teachings out there that teach that the more money you give to God, the more money you will receive. This is not what Paul is teaching in these verses. In fact, the essence of Paul’s message is entirely opposite to the prosperity gospel.
Many people today still see Jesus as the miraculous breadmaker who can provide free food. Many come to Christ only to receive healing and wealth. They do not actually seek to make Christ their Lord and Saviour. On the contrary, they only seek to use Christ as a means to gain comfort, wealth, health and prosperity, which are their idols. So why do we come to Christ? Are we seeking Christ Himself as our treasured possession, or do we worship the blessings He gives?
Likewise, when Paul teaches to give, the reason is not to receive more back. Paul teaches us to be generous people who give our money, time, sweat and tears, for the sake of our brothers and sisters and those in the world around us because we have already received the most extraordinary grace in Christ. Our sins have been cleansed, and we have been reunited with the fountain of Life who overflows joy and peace in the countenance of His glory. If God has loved us to an incomprehensible extent, what can we do but share His love with others?
However, giving to others should not be driven by the guilt of having to repay God’s love. Instead, when we are generous, God promises that He will increase the harvest of our righteousness. This does not mean God will necessarily multiply our wealth, but this means God will expand the horizon by which he uses us as His servants for His kingdom. If we are cheerful givers, God promises that He will supply us with all we would ever need to be used aboundingly by Him with good works on earth.
To be a cheerful giver is a calling to receive God’s grace for what it truly is and then to receive even more grace as we grow to walk closer with God. God works in paradoxical ways. However, for His children, God will guide them to increasingly see the glories of His grace and the unfathomable depths of His wisdom so that His name may be glorified through the saints and amongst all the heavenly beings.
As Paul puts it, “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”
Lord, thank You for Your abundant grace and love for us. Because You have first loved us, teach us to love others generously. Forgive our selfishness and pride, and please teach us to be cheerful givers with humility. We desire to walk with You more and increasingly enjoy being with You and serving You. If Your will is to accomplish so by making us cheerful givers change our hearts so that ultimately, Your name will be glorified. In Jesus’ name, amen.
