2 Corinthians 9:6-7 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.
Giving to bless and minister is both focused on
the future and sacrificial. The picture that Paul uses in these verses is applicable to seeds
that are also used for food. These seeds are not like the seeds of an apple or cherry
that are good for producing trees. We don’t eat those sorts
of seeds. The illustration that Paul uses is of a grain crop. It is your daily
bread and you are being called to bury a portion of it. You are called to
trust God for the care of the crop and for its increase at harvest time. To plant a
field with fewer seeds than are needed is not wise. The window of opportunity is there for
only a little while. When too little seed is planted, even a fertile soil will not produce
a good crop. The crop's growth will not be able to make up for the
initial lack of faith on the part of the planter. In fact, it becomes a season
long testimony to the lack of prudence on the part of the planter. Planting
more at a later date will not erase the sparingly planted crop – grown full of
weeds – standing in the field for all to see.
God calls on us to plant bountifully and expect a bountiful increase.
We are called on to be prudent, faithful, and joyous in our giving. Planting my
garden is a happy time because of the expectation of harvest. Giving to others should
also reflect our expectation of the Father’s blessing.
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