While discussing giving generously to God in worship, the apostle Paul wrote:
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:6-7).
Does this mean the more we give, the richer we will get? No, it does not. Paul was not preaching a “prosperity gospel,” and he himself was not a wealthy man (Acts 18:3; 1 Cor. 9:6; 2 Cor. 11:8-9). Rather, the point is that generous Christians make themselves more useful to God for greater spiritual reaping. The “reaping” may include:
· Greater opportunities to do good (v. 10)
· A harvest of spiritual fruit and righteousness (v. 10)
· Increased thanksgiving to God from others (vv. 11–12)
· Strengthened relationships with others and with God (vv. 13–14)
Paul was teaching a spiritual principle: generous sowing leads to greater opportunities for spiritual blessings. It is not a mechanical formula for gaining wealth. Verse 8 supports this conclusion: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8). The focus is on having “sufficiency”—not riches. The goal is “abounding to every good work”—not abounding in luxurious wealth.
Paul also warned in 1 Timothy 6:8-10: “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Let us show God our faith and the proof of our love by giving back to Him cheerfully and generously each week (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:8, 24). Our giving should come from selfless, sacrificial motives, not selfish desire for gain; and may we truly take Paul’s words to heart: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2; cf. Matt. 6:19-21).