Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that storing up “treasures on earth” is useless. In this world, our treasures can be stolen or destroyed. Rather we should store up “treasures in heaven,” beyond the reach of the risks of a fallen world. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19–21).
The virtue of generosity shows that our hearts are not attached to the things of this world. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul reveals another twist on the principle of you reap what you sow, as applied to giving and generosity (vv. 6–7). We should give not with reluctance or under compulsion, but willingly and even cheerfully. If we sow generously, we’ll reap generously. Why? Because “God loves a cheerful giver.”
How? Because God (vv. 8–9). One might think that giving generously would empty the bank account. But God’s economy is different and He’s “able to bless you abundantly.” This is not a prosperity gospel, for all that’s said here is that we’ll have what we need. The blessing is spiritual—to “abound in every good work.” Paul then quoted from Psalm 112, which includes generosity in its portrait of righteous people. Why do they scatter gifts to the poor? Because they’re trusting in God, not their money.
Furthermore, for generous givers God “will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” (vv. 10–11). He doesn’t ignore material things. After all, He supplies seeds and bread. But the focus is on the spiritual: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” “Through us” makes it clear that Paul was specifically grateful for their missionary support for him and his team (cf. Phil. 4:10–13).
Go Deeper
What does it mean to be a cheerful giver? How does your faith and obedience to God shape your own financial decisions?
Pray with Us
As You have so freely given to us, Jesus, help us freely give to others. Please bring people across our path who are in need; let us show You to them.
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.2 Corinthians 9:11
