Reap What You Sow

⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. - 2 Corinthians 9:6

I remember at a winter retreat once, my group leader said "you'll only get as much as what you put in", when he talked about our group discussions. I find that this holds true in so many circumstances and it works the same here with God and with giving. The more you invest in God, the more you'll learn from Him, the more blessings he will grant you. The more you give, the more God will provide. Just as the parable of feeding the five thousand, the boy gave all of his lunch and was able to feed so much more. At the same time, Paul reminds us in this verse that if we give little, we will get little.

Paul also reminds us to give cheerfully. Just because he said to give generously doesnt mean he wants you to just give it all up. It has to come from the heart, and when it does, you're giving happily. Are you able to give things up happily?

⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Giving has many results too, and as Paul explains in verses 12-15, he tells us that giving leads to the supplying for others. When you give you are giving to something or someone. You are not just burning it away to nothing. You are helping someone else, whether if it is with your money, your time or your efforts. It also provokes thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. You give cheerfully and are thankful for the blessings God has given you. And the other party praises God for blessing them with whatever you gave them. And lastly it brings prayer. We learn to pray for one another, thanking the Lord for all we've done for each other. Giving brings unity and happiness.

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