“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich…For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have… Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.”
“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…
“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 8:9,12,14; 9:6-8,10-15
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered…
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.” Proverbs 11:24-25; 22:9
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap… And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:7,9
Economics run on numbers and balance sheets, assets and liabilities. But God’s economy works differently, in unmeasured amounts, matters of heart, and invisible values. The Savior who was rich in every intangible way became poor to make us rich eternally. Once so filled, we have the inestimable privilege of sowing bountifully and giving cheerfully, receiving not only all sufficiency and joy and surpassing grace, but prompting praise and thanksgiving to Him.
We live in abundance, all things given to us with Christ. Do we regularly thank Him for His grand and gracious multiplication of gifts? Would we take time to do so now?
How involved are we in sharing of our bounty to bless others with words and kindness, to supply resources, encouragement, a listening ear, faithful prayers, or practical help? Do we hoard our time, energy, resources for selfish means, or release them to the Lord for His rich blessing? In what areas are we sparing, or reluctant, and will we turn those over to be transformed into unfettered, joyful generosity? (Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:3)
Father, overwhelm me with Your abounding grace that I will gladly spend and be spent in Your name, and for Your sake and glory. (2 Corinthians 12:15)
As the rain and snow 