2 Corinthians 9:6-9 (NASB) Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9 as it is written,
“He scattered abroad, He gave to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever.”
God is our provider, forever and always. The work that we do, the income that we earn, blessings bestowed by God. One of the many things God would see cultivated in His children is a heartfelt desire to give. However, this is not something we are to do out of duty or obligation. This is something He would have us do because we have been blessed, by Him, with the means and opportunity to do so. This is something that He would see carried out by a loving heart desiring to do the most good with the blessings He entrusts us with.
This is a matter of the heart, but it’s also a matter of stewardship. God entrusts us with the responsibility to manage these resources that He provides. Those resources can and do consist of our money, time, joy, encouragement, wisdom, joy, faith and an unquantifiable host of other things. As Paul imparts on us in this passage, we reap what we sow. If we do well with what we have been given, He will continue His blessings upon us. It’s that simple. However, notice that there is an important clause in there. It’s not what we do, the quantity or the material value that is the imperative, it’s the motive of the heart that matters. Whether you’ve been blessed in fortune, time, personal associations or what have you, the motivation behind the stewardship and application of these resources will determine the measure of blessing you receive in return. God would see in us a cheerful giver, an attitude of gratitude that leads to the desire to spread the blessings. He would see in each and every one of us a desire to bless others whenever, with whatever, possible because we love Him and we love them. The act itself becomes a blessing for the giver often times more so than for the receiver.
The point is, we give not to get, but because of that attitude, the desire to do all we can with what we’re given, we continue to be blessed so that we can continue to be a blessing. Be a thankful steward, show off your attitude of gratitude and have a blessed weekend.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
