2 Cor. 9:1-6

Giving is a means of blessing others.  Young’s Literal Translation of vs. 5-6 helps us see the emphasis on blessing:

5. Necessary, therefore, I thought it to exhort the brethren, that they may go before to you, and may make up before your formerly announced blessing, that this be ready, as a blessing and not as covetousness.  6. And this: He who is sowing sparingly, sparingly also shall reap; and he who is sowing in blessings, in blessings also shall reap.

Grace giving involves God’s blessing on the giver and the giver’s blessing on the recipient.  Note the following principles of giving that blesses.

·        Giving that blesses comes from a willing heart, v1-4.  Willingness has been a key throughout these 2 chapters on giving (8:11,12,19; 9:2).  The only other New Testament use of the term is in Acts 17:11 where it speaks of the Berean’s eagerness in searching the scriptures.  Dragging one’s feet certainly takes away from the blessing when it is finally received by others.  The Corinthians had made the commitment to give a year earlier; now they needed to follow through to show their willingness.

·        Giving that blesses is not motivated by personal gain, v5.  Note the above translation of this verse.  This needs to be done as a blessing for others, not as covetousness.  In no way is giving to others to be done because of some perceived or real benefit that comes to me.  Many ministries appeal to people to give as a means of being blessed themselves.  But not the beloved apostle.

·        Giving that blesses is not stingy, v6.  Sparingly means stingily, an attitude that does not bless others.  The one who gives to bless others does, in fact, reap many blessings himself.  There is no conflict between vs. 5 & 6.  Personal gain is not the motivation in giving (v5), but there is in fact personal gain in giving to bless others (v6).  Consider these related Biblical truths:

o   Monetary giving does not require a monetary harvest.  Earlier we saw that this gift was appropriate because of the spiritual blessings that had come to other churches through the church at Jerusalem (Rom. 15:26-28).  We may see a harvest of people won for Christ (John 4:36-37) or a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18).  God may, however, bless the giver financially so he can give even more (2 Cor., 9:8, 10).

o   Further, according to Matt. 6:23, 33, God’s care for the material needs of His children is not based on how much they give but in His providential care for them as their Creator.  They are not to worry about money but are instead to focus on the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Money becomes a problem when we “love” it (1 Tim. 6:9-10) or are motivated by the lust of the eyes (1 John 2:16).  Our willingness to use God’s daily provision for the blessing of others is a powerful means by which we say no to the sinful nature and yes to our Lord.  Who will you bless by your giving?