Blessed to Give

2 Corinthians 9

“I urge you, don’t let me down!” Paul

In 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul sent Titus and two other men ahead to Corinth so that the Corinthians would have their promised gifts and offerings for the Macedonians ready when he arrived to receive them.

Paul had told the church in Macedonia that the Corinthians had already begun collecting an offering; he hoped Titus’ early visit would encourage them to intensify their efforts and not let him down, as they often dropped the ball, committed sin, and failed on their promises.

Paul gave them direction in his first letter to the Corinthians, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” 1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV)

Here, Paul spoke of the blessedness of giving; of how giving should be done in the church, and of the results of generous giving.

“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. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given 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.” 2 Corinthians 9:6–10 (ESV)

Dr. Harold Wilmington, in his Bible Handbook, outlines Paul’s Rules for giving:
— Each individual must decide the amount he or she gives (9:7).
— All giving should come from the heart (9:7).
— He also shares Paul’s explanation of the results of giving:
— God will meet the needs of the giver (9:8–11).
— The giving will meet the real needs of others (9:12).
— The recipients will praise God and pray for the giver (9:12–14).

Are you sowing and reaping bountifully... or are you sowing and reaping sparingly? Does Paul’s rules and results change your attitude and response toward giving? Will you pray about your present giving practices?
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Today, if not already, will you become a generous giver by practicing generosity? Will you give graciously and generously, regularly, systematically, and sacrificially?

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