II Corinthians 9:10-12 - “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.”
This encouragement comes in the context of Paul’s collection of a special offering for the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem who were experiencing drought, famine, and starvation. The apostle’s goal was to raise an offering through the world wide church to help them. In this context, he writes the oft quoted verse, “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (II Corinthians 9:6).
He then expounds of three ways our sowing seeds of giving bring a great harvest.
1) God supplies the seed. He is the origin of every gift ever given. He gives grain and bread from grain. So, when we give we are only giving what has been given to us.
2) God multiplies the seed for sowing to increase the harvest. In the same way that one planted kernel multiplies into a plant producing hundreds more kernels, God multiplies our giving to produce spiritual results.
3) God supplies practical needs and grows faith. Not only does the Corinthian’s gift feed, clothe, and shelter the Jerusalem Christians (practical), but it also leads to faith and praise to God (eternal).
This is how giving in the kingdom works. We give what God has given. He multiplies it. Lives are changed and he is praised. Do a little sowing today.
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