Give Generously With God

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." (2 Corinthians 9:6-9 NLT)

This particular passage creates a hotbed of misquoting and misunderstanding about giving. God never promises to make us rich if we give generously. God does promise, however, to provide what we need. We will have food to eat, clothing to wear, and even a place to sleep. When we give to God, though, we should give cheerfully because we know that we are giving toward God's mission. Our giving is a ministry. It is a way that God works through us to accomplish God's mission here on earth.

For God is the One who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10-12 NLT)

The more faithful we are in giving, the more God entrusts into our care. Here's how it works. Let's say I start giving a dollar a week consistently to God's mission work. Once this level of generosity becomes a habit in my life and a ministry that I will not waver from performing each week, God starts entrusting more into my care. Let's say God gives me another dollar. Now I have two dollars. At the same time, God shows me the ministry that needs that second dollar and prompts me through the Holy Spirit to give that dollar to that ministry. Now two dollars per week flow through me into God's work. The pattern continues throughout my life as I become a faithful and reliable giver. God flows more and more through me.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:13-15 NLT)

In the end, the ministries are supported and the whole process brings glory to God.

So how about you? Do you give cheerfully? Do you give consistently? Do you give generously? Can God count on you? Does God call on you to support more and more of God's Kingdom work? Do you give generously with God?