2 Corinthians 9:6-11

During my time in Decatur, I’ve been to the Farm Progress show once. And I realized, I had no idea how much time, thought, and money goes into farming. I guess in my naive “city kid” way, I thought it was pretty routine — dig a hole, put a seed in, pray that God provides, and when He comes through, harvest and sell.

I am here to tell you… I was wrong. There is so much science and math, business acumen, and faith involved in this thing that I was blown away. I’d like to go back to the show next time with someone who knows what they are talking about because, flying solo, I had no idea.

But to me, it seemed like the more efficiently you can seed, water, and take care of your field, the better. Intentionality is important when you are working with expensive seeds! Don’t waste!

But as I think about a farmer found in scripture, I remember the story Jesus told of a guy who was sowing seeds in the field — and that fella was anything but intentional (or so it seemed). He threw his seeds on good soil and thorny soil and rocky paths. He threw seeds on places where He knew the plants would never take root! Why would He do that? Efficiency is key!

Well, Jesus closes the story with an explanation. He tells us that the one who sows the seed is God. And the seed itself represents the Good News of God loving the world. This seed is NOT cheap — it comes at the price of the Son of God dying, and this Sower is not foolish. So why the inefficiency?

Take a look at the scripture passage for this week — Paul writes:

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Our God practiced the principle that He preached through Paul. He gave abundantly. He lavished His people with His words of Love and Hope. He sent His love everywhere, even knowing that it wouldn’t grow roots at times. But He sowed bountifully and abundantly, so that everyone might come to experience His Love. And He calls us to do the same. To give and to sow His Word and His promises abundantly.

Take a look at what Paul writes in verse 7 again:

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” It’s not just that you give the Word of God that’s important. It’s HOW you give it! And it’s HOW God uses it.

Share Generously

Read it again, in verses 9-10:

“As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”

God calls us to give, and to give generously. He calls us to speak His words of life here, there, and anywhere. And He promises, that when we do, He is faithful to work that toward His purposes and to take care of us.

As you consider this scripture and reflect this week, respond to the following questions:

1. What is one way you can be more abundant in speaking His promises to people?

2. Where is one area of your life where you have given and need to trust that God will provide?

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