Grace in Giving

"The one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. God multiplies what is given in faith, producing a harvest of righteousness."

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul continues his encouragement to the Corinthians regarding their financial gift to the believers in Jerusalem. He reminds them of their initial eagerness to give, noting how their zeal inspired the Macedonians. Now, as some Macedonian believers accompany Paul to Corinth, he hopes their arrival will reignite the Corinthians’ readiness to give. Yet, Paul also wants to spare them—and himself—the embarrassment of being unprepared. To prevent any last-minute compulsion, he has sent advance messengers to ensure that the offering is given willingly and not under pressure.

Paul then emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping: generosity leads to abundance, while stinginess results in scarcity. Just as a farmer who sows little will reap little, so too will a believer who hoards instead of giving. But this is not a matter of legalistic obligation. God delights in those who give cheerfully, motivated by love rather than coercion.

Paul moves beyond the mere mechanics of giving to highlight the supernatural reality at work: God is the one who provides both the seed and its multiplication. The act of giving is not subtraction but divine multiplication, an act that results in increased provision, deeper righteousness, and overflowing thanksgiving. Psalm 112 reinforces this truth—those who fear the Lord scatter their resources generously, just as God Himself has abundantly supplied all things.

The chapter concludes by tying the act of giving to the greater gift of Christ. Every act of generosity reflects the grace of God, who first gave us the indescribable gift of His Son. Just as the Corinthians’ generosity will lead to thanksgiving from Jewish believers, so too should all giving culminate in gratitude and praise to God, the source and sustainer of all provision.

A Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice

I am the one who gives seed to the sower and bread for food. I supply and multiply, not only the resources placed in your hands but the righteousness that springs forth from them. Do not hoard what I have given you, for I have entrusted it to you that it may overflow in blessing to others. Sow bountifully, and you will reap bountifully; sow sparingly, and you will reap sparingly. But do not give out of obligation or reluctance, for I take pleasure in a heart that gives cheerfully, moved by My grace rather than by pressure.

I make all grace abound to you so that in all things, at all times, you may have all you need—abounding in every good work. As it is written, "The righteous scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." What I place in your hands is not meant for accumulation, but for distribution. I increase and enlarge the harvest of righteousness in you as you yield to My abundance.

This is not loss—it is gain. My provision is not diminished by your generosity but multiplied. My righteousness is not static but grows as it is expressed through you. Your giving does more than supply needs; it becomes thanksgiving, an offering of praise. Those who receive will glorify Me because of your obedience to the gospel, for your generosity demonstrates the unity of My people in Christ.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift, the grace of My Son, who, though rich, became poor for your sake, that you through His poverty might be rich.

(Passages woven together: 2 Corinthians 9:6–15; Psalm 112:9)

A Prayer of Confidence and Thanksgiving

Father, You are the source of all things. You have given abundantly, and I trust You to continue to provide as I walk in step with Your Spirit. Thank You for the privilege of generosity—not as a burden, but as an overflow of Your grace within me. Let my giving be an act of worship, not obligation, and may it lead to greater thanksgiving in Your name.

You have sown the greatest seed—the life of Your Son—and the harvest is eternal. Just as You have freely given, I trust You to multiply all that is surrendered into Your hands. Thank You for making all grace abound so that I lack nothing, always supplied for every good work. My heart rejoices in this truth. Amen.

Image Intent:
A photograph of a vast wheat field under the golden glow of the sun, symbolizing the abundant harvest that comes from generous sowing.

Credits:

• Insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible.

• Photo credit: Unsplash.