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The apostle Paul had organized a collection of funds for the poor in the Jerusalem church. Many of the Asian churches gave money. In the course of urging the Corinthians to follow through on their previous commitment and show their love in a tangible way, Paul explained and defended his beliefs about giving. It should, he wrote, be sacrificial, well-planned, based on need, and—above all—generous.

2 Corinthians 9:6-13

1. Paul compares the resources God gives us to seed given to a farmer (v. 10). What mistakes would the farmer need to avoid in handling the seed?
2. What action (v. 6) would result in a bountiful harvest?
3. What result is implied for those who are stingy?
4. Why is a sense of duty (v. 7) an inadequate motivation for giving?
5. What is promised (vv. 8, 11) for generous givers to God's work?
6. What spiritual rewards (vv. 12-13) can those who give generously expect?
7. Is this generosity primarily a response to impulse or does it also involve planning (vv. 7, 13)?

Ask God for a growing confidence in His generosity that will free you up to give cheerfully and generously.

6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,

"They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever."

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity[c] in you.

11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem[d] will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Generosity is hard for me, Lord. Teach me to loosen my grasp and share with others what You've loaned to me.

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