From Day 250 of “The Bible in One Year” by Nicky Gumbel
In 2 Corinthians 9:6–15, Paul gives us at least ten reasons to give generously:
1. Giving is the best investment you can make
Like the harvest, giving is planting seed. The farmer will reap far more than what was sown (v. 6): “A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop” (v.6, MSG).
This applies to everything in life. What you give to the Lord he multiplies – your time, gifts, ambitions and money.
2. Giving should be fun
Giving should never be forced or grudging, but rather voluntary and cheerful “for God loves a cheerful giver” (v. 7). The Greek word for cheerful is hilaros. We always quip at HTB that our giving should be hilarious! It should be fun to give. Generosity leads to happiness.
3. Giving takes away the burden of financial worry
Paul writes, “and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (v. 8). Giving does not mean handing over financial responsibility to God – but it does mean handing over the worry and the burden of it.
4. Giving “enriches” you
When God invites you to give, he is appealing not just to your emotions but also to your reason: “Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way so that you can be generous” (v. 11, AMP). Materially, you will have enough to give away generously (v. 11). Your character will be enriched (v. 10). God will be praised (v. 11).
5. Giving transforms your character
Paul speaks of “the harvest of your righteousness” (v. 10b). Giving purges the character from the constricting grip of materialism that destroys lives.
6. Giving inspires others
“… your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. … Because of the service of which you approved yourselves, people will praise God…: (vv. 11b–13a).
7. Giving meets people’s needs
Generous giving blesses other people and supplies the needs of God’s people – “helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians” (v. 12, MSG).
8. Giving is evidence of real faith
Generous giving is an act of obedience, which should accompany “your confession of the gospel of Christ” (v. 13). Giving is an act of trust – in doing it you are saying that it is God, not yourself or anyone else, who ultimately provides for your needs.
9. Giving makes you a stakeholder in the church
Paul speaks of “your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else” (v. 13b). In the same way as when you share a flat or apartment you share in the bills, as you share in the needs of the community you reap the benefits of that community. For example, every time someone comes to know Christ through the community you share in the blessing.
10. Giving is a response to God’s gift to you
God so loved you that he gave his one and only Son so that you might have eternal life (John 3:16). Our giving is a response to God’s amazing grace. His “indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15) is the gift of his Son. “Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!” (v. 15, MSG).
