The Giver That Sows

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6

“If I am sowing wheat in the field, it stands to reason that the more seed I sow, the greater harvest I will have. Now if I want to be very careful about how I sow, and just take seeds and toss them out here and there, then I’m only going to have little wheat shoots here and there. I’m not going to have much of a harvest. But if I go out and sow just abundantly, then I’m going to reap an abundant harvest.” Chuck Smith.

The more you give, the more you get, the more God returns, the greater the harvest. The word “reap” comes from the Greek word ‘therizo’ which means ‘summer harvest’ with reference to bringing Samaritans into the kingdom of God, in regard to which the disciples would enjoy the fruits of what Christ has been doing ministering in Samaria. The Greek word ‘eulogeo’ has a couple meanings but in this case, it comes from the synonym, ‘aineo’ which means to praise; the cause to prosper; to make happy; to bestow blessings on. 

Verses 7 and 8 in the same chapter go on to say, “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.” (ESV)

I have been blessed to see times where my parents didn’t have much money to spare but they would see a homeless person and be impressed upon to buy them food. Just this summer my mom and I bought food for a homeless man and it wasn’t out of selfish ambition or gain, but to give this man food in his stomach. There are times when we (and I say we because I am guilty of the same thing) that we just pass homeless people by without realizing that very easily that could be us. We could be the ones standing on the corner, starving, in need of food. 

I don’t know about you, but wouldn’t you hope someone would sacrifice $5.00 of their Starbucks for the day so you could eat? Reality check. Philippians 4:12 is a great reminder of this. I’m quoting out of the Common English Bible because it gives a great modern way of looking at it. “I know the experience of being in need, and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry, whether having plenty or being poor.” Wow. 

The apostle Paul really did know this. He didn’t have an easy life. In fact, Paul wrote this letter to the Philippian church to thank them for the gift they had sent him when they heard of his detention in Rome. He uses this letter to report on how he is doing, but also to encourage the Philippians to stand firm in persecution, rejoice regardless of circumstances, and to exhort them to humility and unity. Even in prison Paul was reaching out to help the Philippian church. I know life can hand us some crazy cards, but in all this, I encourage you to give out of yourself in whatever way you see fit. See what God may sow out of it because you may be really blessed by it.

I was always blessed by watching my parents feed those homeless people because it was always showing a side of Christ nobody shows very often. I remember the looks on their faces and that has been imprinted on my heart. You never know what life is gonna bring, so use it well now, you won’t regret it.