“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,
‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.’
“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. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
“Who has first given to me, that I should repay him?
Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine.” Job 41:11
“What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7
“You received without paying; give without pay.” Matthew 10:8c
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
The Lord and Owner of the universe is bountiful and generous beyond measure. He cannot be outgiven, yet gives that we learn to give. We own nothing, and everything we have use of is a gift entrusted to us as a stewardship. He is our gracious supplier and supreme example: He gave the ultimate in His life for us. It is always more blessed to give than to receive. All He entrusts to us is to be held loosely, invested wisely, and put to use lavishly. Only the Giver is owned forever and lasting Treasure. (John 15:13; Acts 20:35)
Do I really understand that I own nothing, that all riches and honor and abilities and successes are the Lord’s? Have I reckoned this so as I manage and manipulate all over which I am a steward? How generously do I sow resources in my neighborhood, workplace, family? How gladly do I serve and contribute at church to build up the Body? (1 Chronicles 29:11-14)
And when the Lord has lavished sufficiency and enriched me, how have I turned His limitless grace to thanksgiving and praise? How deeply am I treasuring, how generously am I giving in life, love, and words, His inexpressible gift of Jesus?
Lord, You have given Your all for me. May I daily be glad and willing to spend and be spent for the sake of souls and for Your glory. (2 Corinthians 12:15)
As the rain and snow 