Daily devotional · November 16
A Cheerful Giver
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or 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. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God.”
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to support fellow believers in need, and he uses the image of a farmer. Someone who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and someone who sows generously will reap generously. He then adds a gentle principle: each person should decide in their heart what to give, not reluctantly or under pressure, because God loves a cheerful giver. Notice that God is described as the one who supplies both seed and bread. He gives us resources so that we can be generous, and generosity in turn produces thanksgiving to Him. This turns giving from a burden into a partnership. Today, ask yourself whether you give from pressure, from habit or from joy. Choose one gift, big or small, that you can offer gladly, and give it in a way that makes you smile rather than sigh. Then thank God for supplying it.
Prayer
Father, You supply the seed and the bread. Make me a cheerful giver, free of pressure and full of gladness. Amen.