July 5, 2023: The Power of Generosity

"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6, ESV)

The Apostle Paul is preparing the church in Corinth to sow an offering he will receive for the persecuted church in Jerusalem. He makes them aware of what he is doing and asks them to pray in advance, hear from God, and prepare to sow their offering.

Just hearing what Paul says in the verse above makes one want to open their heart and wallet to give! He reveals the nature of God as he opens up the revelation of God's generosity. He appeals to them to sow generously because he who sows generously will also reap generously! It is almost as if Paul says, "Avoid 'sparingly!' You can give sparingly, but it is to your disadvantage. Take the generous route and give a big measure!" When God sees a large measure being given out, He is moved to be generous back to you so that you reap a big harvest.

I encourage you to live a life of generosity. Open up your eyes and look for a place to sow an offering. It could be to a missionary, a neighbor, a son or daughter, a stranger, a child, a widow, or maybe even a spouse or friend. Keep track of what you sow and watch God return the seed to you and more besides! You can't outgive God, practice living a generous life!