2 Corinthians 9:6-11 meaning...

These verses are part of Paul's message to the Corinthian church regarding their participation in the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. In these verses, Paul encourages the Corinthians to give generously and cheerfully, reminding them of God's abundant provision and the impact of their giving. Let's delve into its meaning:

• The principle of sowing and reaping: 

Paul uses agricultural imagery to convey a spiritual principle. Just as a farmer who sows sparingly will reap a meager harvest, those who give sparingly will receive limited blessings. Conversely, those who sow bountifully will reap a bountiful harvest. The principle implies that the measure of our generosity directly affects the measure of blessings we receive from God.

• Giving from the heart: 

Paul emphasizes that giving should be a personal decision, determined in one's heart. It should not be done grudgingly or under compulsion but with a willing and cheerful spirit. God delights in a cheerful giver, someone who gives out of a genuine desire to bless others and participate in God's work.

• God's abundant grace: 

Paul assures the Corinthians that God is able to make all grace abound toward them. He emphasizes that God's grace is not limited and that it is more than sufficient to meet their needs. God's abundant grace empowers believers to have everything they need to abound in every good work.

• The impact of generosity: 

Paul quotes from Psalm 112:9 to illustrate the impact of generosity. When believers scatter abroad and give to the poor, it reflects God's righteousness and results in eternal blessings. Generosity is not only an act of compassion but also a manifestation of righteousness that leaves a lasting impact.

• God's provision and multiplication: 

Paul acknowledges God as the ultimate provider. He affirms that God supplies seed to the sower and bread for food. God not only provides for our basic needs but also multiplies the seed we sow for sowing. When we give generously, God increases the fruits of our righteousness, enabling us to abound in good works.

• Enriched in everything for generosity: 

Paul assures the Corinthians that their generosity will not lead to poverty but to enrichment. As they give, God enriches them in every aspect of their lives, enabling them to be generous in all things. This enrichment is not solely for their own benefit but to encourage and enable them to be generous to others.

• Producing thanksgiving to God: 

The culmination of generous giving is thanksgiving to God. When believers give generously, it not only meets the needs of others but also results in gratitude and praise to God. The act of giving becomes an expression of worship and gratitude for God's provision and grace.

The broader context of 2 Corinthians 9 addresses the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their previously committed gift and highlights the principle of sowing and reaping in relation to their giving. He emphasizes that their generosity will not only benefit the recipients but also result in thanksgiving to God and the glory of His name.

In summary, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 teaches us about the principles of sowing and reaping, the importance of giving from a willing and cheerful heart, and the abundant provision of God. It highlights the impact of generosity on both the giver and the recipients, emphasizing that God's grace is more than sufficient to meet our needs and enable us to abound in every good work. As we give generously, God multiplies our seed for sowing and enriches us for greater generosity, producing thanksgiving to God and reflecting His righteousness. May we embrace a spirit of generosity and experience the abundant blessings that come from cheerful and bountiful giving.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8. Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work. 

2 Corinthians 9:9-11. He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever. Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which produces through us thanksgiving to God.

Context