“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV).
The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes contains a verse that intersects with the New Testament illustration quoted above: “Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days” (Ecclesiastes 11:1).
While it’s possible to interpret this passage as a reference to the importance of investing with a long-term profit in mind, there is another possibility that involves our attitude in helping those who may need assistance. Much like the act of casting a piece of bread upon the water, it may seem foolish to deposit our precious resources with those who have little or no ability to pay us back or provide any return on our investment. In such instances, it may seem wiser to retain our financial assets rather than put them at risk.
However, this portion of Scripture also goes on to say that those who cast their bread upon the waters, “…will find it again after many days” (GW). The only way to realistically offer such an assurance is to assume that a greater Entity is willing to ensure the profitability of those investments- and the Old Testament book of Proverbs identifies that Entity for us: “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed” (Proverbs 19:17 RSV).
These insights often help to determine if we view ourselves as owners or managers of the resources we possess. For those who take an ownership view of their resources, good risk management often represents the overriding priority. However, the person who views him or herself as a manager of their God-given resources understands the importance of faithfulness in risking those assets and counts upon God to establish the level of return on his or her investment.
Finally, one commentator from another generation provides us with a helpful observation in regard to this concept: “Serving God with our little is the way to make it more; we must never think that is wasted with which God is honoured.” (1)
Portions of this study first appeared here
(1) Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Gen.8.20-Gen.8.22