God promises an abundant harvest for those who give generously. If you were planting tomatoes, and you put one seed in the ground, you wouldn’t have as many plants as you would if you put 20 seeds in the ground. You will have more tomatoes when you have more plants. This is sowing and reaping. The more seeds you put out, the bigger return you will get. This is the promise God gives us. When we give generously, God promises bountiful blessings in return. This post will help you understand God’s promise of a bountiful harvest in response to your generous giving.

"God’s Promises to the Generous" by Dr. Charles Stanley

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

The principle of sowing and reaping is a universal truth ordained by God; it applies not only in agriculture, but also in the area of giving. Despite the fact that the Lord promises an abundant harvest for those who give generously, many Christians still struggle with releasing their grip on money.

Some fear that they won’t have enough if they give. Others, pulled by greed, are unwilling to sacrifice pleasures and comforts. Those who succumb to their fears or stinginess will miss out on the great harvest God wants to give them.

In the midst of a chaotic economy and uncertain times, we can find our security in the Lord. His ways are often the opposite of our natural tendencies. The world says that to have enough, we must acquire more. Today’s passage says that in giving generously, we will have an abundance of both provision for our needs (bread) and resources to continue our generosity (seed).

Beyond this, the Lord also promises that the harvest of our righteousness will increase, and we will be “enriched in everything for all liberality” (v. 11). God’s riches encompass so much more than earthly wealth. Generosity produces godly character, which is valuable now and in eternity.

Although we have been given the promise of a bountiful harvest, it will be realized only by those who sow abundantly. In following God’s plan for giving, you can be free of worry because the One who guarantees you a harvest is also the omnipotent Lord who is able to produce it.

Read
2 Corinthians 9:8

Pray
God, I no longer want to struggle with releasing my grip on my money or possessions. I want to give generously. I want to live in Your promise of an abundant harvest.

Reflect
Do I sow enough “seeds” to enjoy an abundant harvest of God’s promises?

Respond
Think about how you can expand your giving so you are sowing more and reaping the abundant harvest that God promises.

We shouldn’t struggle with generosity. God provides what we need as well as the means for us to give generously. Instead of holding on to what you have, sow generously so there is an abundant harvest. If this is hard for you to do, there might be some things happening in your life or your finances that are preventing your generosity. If you are struggling with being generous, the next post will help you identify potential reasons why.