Galatians 6:7-10 NKJV
2 Corinthians 9:6-12 NKJV
Psalm 122:9, James 4:14
BE Grateful Series
2 Corinthians 9:6-12 NKJV
As a mom, a grandmother, and a writer I have a list in my head of sayings I have quoted a lot in my life.
One is Newton’s third law of Physics, “For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.”
Because I raised three boys (and one girl), there was a lot of pushing and shoving going on at our house. My daughter was the oldest and she was not the one involved in fist-a-cuffs.
I reminded the boys regularly that every action they did would be met with an equal reaction. In other words, if you punch your brother, he WILL punch you back with equal force.
A similar quote (which is now attributed to the author Stephen King) is, “everything that goes around comes around”.
I agree.
I think the Apostle Paul would agree as well.
The Apostle Paul mentioned reaping and sowing in more than one of his letters to the churches. In my mind I’d say it was something he felt strongly about.
I understand why.
It makes sense because not only does it speak to our ‘pattern’, it speaks to human nature.
It is believed that the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians about the same time as he wrote the 2nd letter to the church in Corinth. He quoted reaping and sowing when he wrote to both churches.
In Galatians 6:7-10 Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
In this passage, Paul clearly warns that when we reap of the flesh we will receive corruption but when we reap of the Spirit we will receive eternal life.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 he wrote:
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 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. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” 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, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God.”
In the letter to the Corinthians, Paul makes it clear that reaping and sowing are also tied to reaping sparingly or reaping bountifully.
If we give a lot, we will receive a lot in return. The quote Paul uses in verse 9, “As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Paul’s reference to “as it is written” is found in Psalm 112:9, which is most likely a Psalm of David (https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary/gill/psalm/112) where David is referencing our character. It makes sense that if we liberally plans seeds of love, we will liberally reap a good harvest of love.
Paul tells them to plant liberally and cheerfully for both reap a good reward.
So, we might ask what is the reward?
Paul mentions ‘our righteousness’ in verse 10. I’ve known people who thought the reward was equal in substance while others have alluded to the reward being provisional. I’ve found that God gives what is needed. When I give liberally of my time and talents, God returns my giving with what I need.
Only God really knows what I need. Leaving the gift to the giver is important because only God knows what tomorrow will bring (James 4:14).
I used to sing the Gospel song, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” (Ira Stanphill, 1950).
LeAnn Rimes sings an updated version of I Know Who Holds Tomorrow:
“There are things about tomorrow
That I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.”
Give. Give God your hand. Give cheerfully and don’t be concerned about how God returns the Gift.
God never forgets you.
He loves you so much that He thinks of you day and night.
Today’s Spiritual Practice is: Cheerfully Give
Did you know that kindness is a gift you can give? Either say or do something nice for someone today. Kindness will change the world.
In God, Deborah
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