“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6).
In his effort to encourage the Corinthian church to assist their brothers and sisters in need, Paul the Apostle returned to an agricultural illustration here in 2 Corinthians 9:6. The idea is behind this illustration is simple: giving to others is much like sowing, or the act of planting seed. If you sow a lot, you’ll receive a lot. If you distribute sparingly, you won’t reap very much.
Unfortunately, its possible to apply this principle in an inappropriate manner. While it is true that God blesses those who put Him first in the area of finance (see Malachi 3:8-12), one should never approach giving with a “stock market” mentality. In other words, we should never seek to invest in a ministry effort with the goal of receiving a greater financial return on that investment.
Instead, our financial offerings should be motivated by our love and appreciation for what God has done for us and a desire to share those blessings with others, not as a means of establishing a greater financial return. A look at the wisdom contained within the Old Testament book of Proverbs can help provide us with a true Biblical perspective on this idea…
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” (Proverbs 11:23-25 ESV).
“Giving help to the poor is like loaning money to the Lord. He will pay you back for your kindness” (Proverbs 19:16-18 ERV).
“Whoever is generous will be blessed because he has shared his food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9 GW).
Jesus also made some references that should inform our thinking on this subject…
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38 NIV).
“If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen. And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and more will be added to you. For whoever has, more will be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him'” (Mark 4:23-25 CSB).