Today’s Scripture Reading

⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.2CORINTHIANS.9.6-7

Today’s Devotional Reading

A Cheerful Giver

Paul doubles down in his warning against forced giving by providing a few pointers to make giving a matter of “want to” not “have to.”

He compares giving to two types of farming. A farmer who sows a few seeds will get a small harvest, but one who sows many seeds will get a greater harvest. Can you imagine a farmer being stingy with the seed and hoarding it? Who would want a puny harvest? In the same way, the harvest principle should cause the Corinthians’ eagerness in giving/sowing to grow.

Verse 7 contrasts two types of giving: heartfelt and forced. Heartfelt giving is defined by a desire that comes from within. Forced giving is defined by an internal reluctance that has to be overpowered by external pressure.

Desire for a big harvest should serve as a motivation for generous sowing. What serves as a motivation for heartfelt giving? God loves a cheerful giver!

Today’s devotional reading is pulled from: NIV Grace & Truth Study Bible