2 Corinthians 9
"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." - 2 Corinthians 9:10
Paul wants the Corinthian believers to prove their love by contributing abundantly for the needs of the Jewish believers in Judea. He reminds them that God stands behind their giving. He supplies seed to the sower and bread for food. The result of the Corinthians' giving will be a huge harvest of righteousness. The Corinthians are to give generously, believing that God will supply their needs. The more the Corinthians give, the more God will give to them, so that they can give even more. The result will be a huge harvest--the thanksgiving of the Jewish believers, new people coming to faith in Jesus, and a well-deserved reputation among churches throughout the world. The ripple effect of their giving will be amazing.
We should be challenged to give and invest in gospel ministries that make a difference. The context here is giving for the daily needs of believers in another part of the world who are going through a difficult time. Barnabas Aid is a way we can engage in such giving today. We should also be looking to give towards those who are actively engaged in gospel ministry. The bottom line is giving is a strategic investment for eternity. We should use the temporal wealth God has given us for eternal gain.
Father, please supply and multiply our seed for sowing so that we may give and see an huge harvest of righteousness. May we give freely and cheerfully as you have given freely and cheerfully to us. Jesus became poor so that we might become rich. May we become poor so that others might become rich. In Jesus' name, amen.
"It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved. He will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news. His heart is firm, trusting in Yahweh. His heart is steady. ...He has distributed freely. He has given to the poor. His righteousness endures forever." - Psalm 112:4-9
- Jeff Coleman