Have you ever saved something for a rainy day? Perhaps you set aside funds for emergencies like car repairs or health needs. I know I have. I have a backup plan for multiple scenarios because I don’t like surprises. Sometimes, I wonder if I’m worried that God won’t come through when I need it most. Perhaps, you have felt the same.
The Bible reminds us that God cares and knows exactly what we need. He is the most wonderful giver I know! As believers, we are invited to be good givers like God. Scripture reminds us that life on earth is uncertain and temporary. When we place our hope in God’s provision, we can be confident that our needs will be met. Giving to others builds trust in God rather than our ability to meet needs independently.
In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, we find a beautiful verse illustrating how God wants us to give.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV).
In Greek, to sow sparingly is to be stingy. Even the word sounds unkind! It speaks of holding back, even of being selfish or cautious. If only a few seeds were sown, the return would be limited. Instead, Paul calls us to sow generously, with absolute abandon.
There is a promise tucked into this verse. As givers, we are also reapers. We will receive material and spiritual blessings from a loving Father. This is our harvest too. Materially, God ensures our needs are met for love, food, shelter, and relationships. Spiritually, there is a reward now and in the life hereafter.
However, we need to guard our hearts. It’s easy to focus more on the benefits there might be for us than the benefits of giving generously to others. We can unknowingly hold that posture of giving to get rather than sharing with a heart motivated to bless others.
Friend, God truly provides for the generous and giving heart. How have you found this to be true?
The Bible reminds us that God cares and knows exactly what we need. He is the most wonderful giver I know! As believers, we are invited to be good givers like God. Scripture reminds us that life on earth is uncertain and temporary. When we place our hope in God’s provision, we can be confident that our needs will be met. Giving to others builds trust in God rather than our ability to meet needs independently.
In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, we find a beautiful verse illustrating how God wants us to give.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV).
In Greek, to sow sparingly is to be stingy. Even the word sounds unkind! It speaks of holding back, even of being selfish or cautious. If only a few seeds were sown, the return would be limited. Instead, Paul calls us to sow generously, with absolute abandon.
There is a promise tucked into this verse. As givers, we are also reapers. We will receive material and spiritual blessings from a loving Father. This is our harvest too. Materially, God ensures our needs are met for love, food, shelter, and relationships. Spiritually, there is a reward now and in the life hereafter.
However, we need to guard our hearts. It’s easy to focus more on the benefits there might be for us than the benefits of giving generously to others. We can unknowingly hold that posture of giving to get rather than sharing with a heart motivated to bless others.
Friend, God truly provides for the generous and giving heart. How have you found this to be true?
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7 Comments
Thank you for this today. Just the reminder that God is taking care of me is enough these days. I love giving, too. When I was young a missionary came to our church and they past the plate for an offering. He talked about how my small offering was multiplied when placed with others. I only gave a dime, but new God would use it to help the children in the village.
Thank you for sharing your testimony of giving. I love how God uses even the smallest of offerings to change the lives of others.
So we'll said Sharee, thank you for sharing. I can look back and see God's blessings throughout my life. Even in the unsteady times He was faithful. He is faithful to provide our needs, maybe not the wants, but always the needs.
Debbie that is so encouraging to remember God's faithfulness.
Well said, Sharee. It is a fine line to walk between giving to get something in return and giving to be generous and help others. I remember one time I lent a friend money to get his truck fixed. He was a mover so he needed his truck to work and support his family. Fast forward a few years and that friend moved me from Chicago to North Carolina at a very minimal cost compared to what it would have cost me with another moving company. If we give without expecting anything in return, you never know what God will do!
That is so true, Susan. I have to check my heart often. What a beautiful example of God blessing you years later! I love that.
What a wonderful reminder Sharee to the goodness of God. I so remember those rainy days and saving when I was as young as a 20 year old woman with many big dreams, for my future. I also used to have many back up plans as I too did not like surprises.
Well, now that I look back over the last few decades...I have had many surprises...and ones I would certainly not have believed if you had told me they were coming. The Bible is a wonderful comfort for me that He is the most wonderful giver in many ways. Had I not been a Christian at the time, I do not know where I may be now. HE has sustained me in so many ways.
We are always reminded of God's faithfulness, even in the midst of may trials, that God does ensure our needs are met for love, food, shelter and especially relationships.
Thank you Sharee, for the reminder that even though at times I feel inadequate He is enough and that I continually strive to be a generous giver with a heart that is motivated to bless others.
Bless You, Val.