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Sowing
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart,
not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And
God is able to make all grace abound to you,
so that always having all
sufficiency in everything,
you may have an abundance for every good
deed;
Meditating.
Mulling over again and again.
On the road, folding laundry, wiping counters, sweeping floors.
The meaning sinks in deeper.
Where am I sowing?
relationship
bank account
spiritual growth
family memories
What am I sowing?
love
earthly goods
faith
wisdom
prayer
grace
forgiveness
What can I really expect if I don't put in the work?
I had always thought of "cheerful giver" as related to money, but that isn't really the full context of this verse. Giving money is sometimes the easy part.
It is easy and a joy to write a check for a:
student going on a mission trip
ministry to pregnant teens
long established missionary
evangelistic efforts into an under-resourced area
new vision to grow God's kingdom.
But, do I cheerfully . . .
stay up late when a teenage child needs help wrestling through a life lesson
get up early to spend extended time in prayer
clear out cluttered closets and storage areas to send useful items to families in need
forgive the daily grievances that come with living in community
accept criticism and accountability as needed for growth
push out of my introverted shell to bless and be blessed
trim back on our budget to maximize giving
have the hard conversations to promote growth in our kids.
The next two verses offer some great encouragement and hope:
Now
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food
will supply and
multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest
of your
righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality,
which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
Use me, God. Help me find joy in giving even in ways that seem hard for me now. Thank you that I'm not who I was yesterday and I'm not yet who I will be tomorrow. ~Amen
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