Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6 NABRE
The text comes from Paul’s letter to the community at Corinth, he is speaking to them about giving generously for a collection that will be taking to another Christian community, the one in Jerusalem. In asking for them to be generous Paul uses an agricultural example that is similar to certain Proverbs (see 11:26). Paul uses language that indicates the community has received many blessings, in receiving many blessings they are called to share many blessings. Using an agricultural proverb lets the idea sink in that the more seed you put in the ground the more you will reap at harvest time. So it is good to plant bountifully. Paul wants the community to imitate God’s generosity and share their blessings with another poorer community. They will continue to be blessed by God abundantly a very generous giver. If we give, God gives us in return three, four or more fold. We cannot out give God.
This passage is about giving generously to those in need. We can expand the example of generosity. We have this debate in the USA about wearing masks, for some it is uncomfortable and difficult to wear and they are unwilling to sacrifice their own freedom and independence. But if we look at ourselves as a community trying to overcome a pandemic, wearing a mask should be a sacrifice we are willing to make to be generous. Every act of generosity requires sacrifice. We often declare ourselves a Christian nation but seemingly walk away from the things that would show our Christianity because it cost us personal freedom. Christianity requires we work together, if we don’t, others will not see the power and strength of Christians.
What do you sacrifice for generosity? What is your freedom worth?
Every act of generosity requires sacrifice. We often declare ourselves a Christian nation but seemingly walk away from the things that would show our Christianity because it cost us personal freedom. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #generosity #blessing #Paul #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways