Why do we give to those in need? To try to ensure that God will bless us in return? That’s the way ancient pagans thought – they performed certain rituals, sacrificing some of their wealth so that their false gods would give them more of the same thing.

Instead, In verse 8, Paul promises us a sufficiency not so that we can keep it, but so that we may abound in every good work. In verse 10, Paul says God will give us bread for food, but also seed so that we might sow it, so that we might bring forth a harvest not of material things, but of righteousness, of deeds done according to God’s will. In short, we give cheerfully not so that we can get more – that’s the false prosperity gospel. No, we give cheerfully because it’s what God wants us to do – that’s the way true lovers of God think.

So, why don’t we give more, and give more cheerfully? Maybe we have no hope that anything we can give will really make a difference. But regardless of how little we give, Paul tells us our gifts can have great spiritual benefits. In verse 13, he reminds us that giving to the needy is a great way of demonstrating our obedience to Christ. In other words, as we put our time and money where our mouth is, as we reach out in real love for needy people, we are proving that we really believe the salvation of sinners is more important to us than is our comfort. As we give, especially if we give in a sacrificial way, we are demonstrating that we really do love other people just as much as we love ourselves, or maybe even more. Such giving is thus an important part of successful evangelism.

And living this sort of consistent, believable witness should have two big effects on the recipients. In verses and 11 and 12, Paul says that those who receive such selfless gifts will be drawn to give thanks, not so much to us but to God. Moreover, in verse 13 Paul says that when the needy see our faithfulness, they will glorify God. In short, even a gift that isn’t worth very much by worldly standards can have a big spiritual impact, drawing people closer to God and to His people.

But our gifts can also have a big spiritual impact on us. Verse 14 reminds us that a natural result of our generosity is that those we help will yearn for us. But more than that, Paul says that those who receive our gifts will be drawn to pray for us, even as we love them and pray for them. What greater return on our investment could we possibly want?

So, let’s get busy blessing others. But as we keep our focus on their needs and on God’s glory, we shouldn’t be surprised if we receive rich blessings in return.

II Corinthians 9:1-15

Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints,
2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be.
4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated– to say nothing of you– for being so confident.
5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 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.
9 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.
11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,
14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.
15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!