'Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness (2 Cor. 9:6-10).'
Sowing and reaping is better understood as explained in Galatians; “A person will reap only what he sows, because the one who sows for his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows for the spirit will reap eternal life from the spirit (Gal. 6:7-8).” One should give generously, out of love and without compulsion; “When you give, give generously and not with a stingy heart; for that, the Lord, your God, will bless you in all your works and undertakings (Deut. 15:10).” Generosity is a personal decision; however, wealth is a gift from God (Deut. 8:17-18) and he expects us to do good for others with it because God gives to us so we can give to others (Rom. 14:7; Lk. 6:38). If we give because we feel obligated or to impress others there is little spiritual reward in that.
Almighty God, help us to give joyfully and generously to others of our time, talent and treasure so that you can take the little we have to offer and make an abundance for many. Do not let us lose our reward because we gave sparingly from lack of trust in your ability to provide for all our needs. May all that we offer bring glory to your name. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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