Scripture

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (CEB)

Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.

Consider

To the modern church-goer, this passage will be familiar as the text pastors like to quote during fundraising campaigns. Indeed, Paul is appealing to the Corinthian church to dig into their pockets and donate money to help the poor and persecuted believers in Jerusalem. He uses the common illustration of agriculture to make his point: The farmer who scatters only a little seed reaps a meager crop, but a generous sower will reap a bountiful harvest.

Generosity is a biblical theme that extends well beyond financial giving. Every grace that we receive gives us a store of “seed” that we can turn around and invest in other people. God promises enough grace to satisfy our needs and “more than enough” to share with others in doing Christ’s good work of loving and helping one another.

The principle is simple but profound: As you are given grace, give grace generously to others. Little graces come our way every day—kindness from a stranger, patience from someone inconvenienced by our mistake, forgiveness from a friend we have offended, compassion when we are hurting. These little seeds find their way into our hearts, if we are humble and open to receiving them. There they set down roots and produce more seed after their own kind, available for us to share. This miraculous process is powered and directed by God’s Spirit, from whom all grace abounds:

“The one who supplies seed for planting and bread for eating will supply and multiply your seed and will increase your crop, which is righteousness” (9:10).

Seed that sits in our pockets is wasted. If we are stingy with our kindness, if we withhold patience and forgiveness from those who do not “deserve” them, then we likely will raise up cold and fruitless relationships. If, however, we offer compassion instead of judgment and mercy instead of punishment, if we invest ourselves in trying to understand rather than demanding to be understood, then God will raise up blessings in our midst. The seeds that changed us will take root in hearts near to us, perhaps to flourish and bless us in return.

When you feel relief because your debt has been forgiven, let that gratitude spur you to forgive another who is burdened with guilt. Notice the kindnesses that help you make it through the day. Study them, practice them, and multiply them in your relationships. See what harvest the Lord will give you when you sow grace generously into the good soil of the people around you.

Pray

HEAVENLY FATHER, I confess I have been too cautious in sharing kindness and forgiveness with others, as if grace were so scarce I dare not squander it. Thank you for your continuous flow of blessings to me, though I am undeserving and often ungrateful. Holy Spirit, soften my heart until I am open and humble enough to receive your seeds of grace. Multiply these graces in me and teach me to share them freely and indiscriminately.

Reflect

Proverbs 11:25; Ephesians 4:32

Ponder

Reflect on your day and notice all the graces that came your way. Which meant the most to you? How can you share these graces with others?