Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 (NRSV)
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives 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 for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.
Context
The church at Corinth is one of the ones that Paul established, but hat doesn’t mean that things went well thereafter! Far from it! Paul had as much difficulty and challenge with this congregation as any.
This letter dates from the mid-50s of the first century. It is part of his extensive correspondence with the Corinthian church.
Paul’s experience with the church at Corinth is reflected in the tone of 2 Corinthians. According to the HarperCollins Study Bible, it varies widely from “joyful and conciliatory” (chapter 7) to “ironic and argumentative” (Chapters 10-13). Indeed, it may actually be a compilation of several fragments.
Reflection Questions
- How have you experienced the principle Paul enunciates that “the one who sows sparingly will reap sparingly and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully?”
- Do you give more out of cheerfulness or more out of compulsion?
- What are the blessings God has given you “in abundance?”
- How does God simply “supply” or “multiply” resources for you to invest in the work of God?
Prayer
Lord, move us toward genuine, joyful generosity in our giving. For Jesus’ sake and in his name we pray. Amen.
Tags: Blessing, Generosity, Giving
