Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 (NLT)
I am impressed with the generosity of individuals and businesses during the current pandemic. Small business owners are offering their goods and services for free to health care workers. Individuals are giving to local food pantries, animal shelters and other organizations. They are doing this despite personal financial difficulties or uncertainty.
Some may be hesitant to give generously during this time, worried they won’t have enough left over to meet their own needs. As Paul assured the Corinthians in the above scripture, God is able to meet our needs. As explained in the example of the farmer, those that give generously will receive much more than those who only give a little. I realize we get frequent calls, emails and Facebook posts asking for countless donations but don’t feel pressured to give to everything and everyone. God wants us to give cheerfully and He will put it on your heart when and where to give. And do not compare your donation to what others are giving. This is not a contest to see who can give the most. We know how God feels about this from the story of the widow’s offering In Mark 12:41-44 (NLT).
Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
All the resources we have come from God. They are our “seeds”. He wants us to cultivate theses seeds to produce more crops. As you give generously, God will provide more so that your giving can multiply. Use your seeds and plant generously.
