Context No. 4185 of 4322 · 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 9:6-15: in context

6Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work. 9As it is written, “He has scattered abroad. He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.” 10Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11you being enriched in everything for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God, 13seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all, 14while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!

Paul teaches about generous giving, and his words overflow with encouragement. He begins with a principle: whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Then the heart of it: each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And then a great promise: God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that you may abound in every good work. Two things stand out. God cares about how we give, not just that we give. He loves a cheerful giver, one who gives freely and gladly, not grudgingly or because he feels pressured. And God supplies the generous. Paul assures the Corinthians that God is able to make all grace abound to them, to provide for them abundantly so that they can keep giving. We do not give grudgingly, as if giving depletes us and God will not provide. We can give cheerfully, freely, generously, trusting that God, who loves a cheerful giver, is able to supply all our needs.

Do I give cheerfully, freely, and generously, not reluctantly or under compulsion, trusting the God who loves a cheerful giver and is able to make all grace abound to me, or does my giving spring from grudging duty and fear of lack?

Sources

2 Corinthians 9:7: "Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
2 Corinthians 9:8: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you... may abound to every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:15: "Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!"