Through the Bible - Proverbs 31 - Ecclesiastes 2, 2 Corinthians 10
Good morning,
Today's verses come from yesterday's New Testament reading and continue with the theme of giving.
The passage gives us three descriptions of how not to give and three descriptions of how we are to give.
John Piper writes that we are to give, "Not as an exaction or covetously (give with the intent of receiving more) v.5; Not sparinglly (v.7); and Not reluctantly or begrudgingly. But, we are to give as a willing gift (v.5); give bountifully (v.6); and cheerfully (v.7).
2 Cor 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. NKJV
Or from the Amplified Bible
Or from the Amplified Bible
6[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [[a]that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.
7Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He [b]takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving].(A)
What does giving "reluctantly or sorrowfully, or under compulsion" look like? It's giving while feeling (sorrowing) that it could have been used for something else. Grudgingly or under compulsion is that everyone else is giving and I'd better do it too, or what would others think if I don't give.
The Amplified Version in verse 7 mentions "prompt to give", it has to do with being ready to give, giving you the ability to act when the opportunity arises.
Piper writes, "Let's think for a moment about bad giving. In each of these three descriptions the essence of what's wrong is the desire to hold back. There is giving! But it's coming from a heart that wants to hold back.
So giving bountifully means giving from a heart that wants to share things. Something has happened in the heart so that the basic desire is now to give and share as much as possible instead of keep as much as possible. It's as though there was a magnet in the soul that used to be turned so that it pulled possessions into itself; and now something has happened to turn it around to the other pole so that it pushes things out toward others."
As we sit back and consider our own giving, what is that attitude in our hearts towards giving? What is the motivation? Is there joy? Is the desire to bless others? May it be as we see below.
7Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He [b]takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving].(A)
Giving bountifully leads to a bumper crop. The seeds that are planted, sown, grow exponentially. for the glory of God.
Administering the Gift
9 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; 2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. 3 Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; 4 lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.
The Cheerful Giver
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written:
"He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever."
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever."
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! NKJV
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