2 Corinthians 9:10 AMP: And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. [Isa. 55:10; Hos. 10:12.]
Kola attended his uncle’s baby dedication and in the course of listening to a sermon on thanksgiving, he lost his peace. The highly charismatic preacher ended the sermon with series of altar calls for giving. Kola searched himself but had nothing to give except his tuition fee. His emotions moved between the fear of lacking (as a result of not giving) and the greed of wanting more (as a result of the promised multiple effects of giving).
In the preceding verses to our anchor scripture, Apostle Paul started with saying that giving is a ministry for the saints, then went on to describe the right attitude of heart while giving. The Amplified Translation gives a rendition that easily lends an understanding of what it means to give sparingly (grudgingly) and bountifully (generously). (See 2 Corinthians 9:6 AMP).
As Christians, our giving should be born out of love for God, for his work, the saints, and those whom we draw into the kingdom by reflection of God’s love through giving. It shouldn’t be born out of need or material insecurity. The moment we fall for this we bring ourselves to a spirit that is not native to us; the spirit of fear (see 2 Timothy 1:7).
The greed for more or covetousness, like fear, has the capacity to bring a believer into bondage. The Bible is filled with examples of victims of greed (covetousness). It is for postures like this that men like Balaam sought to go against God because of personal gain, Ghazi lost his first place, etc. Our giving must be inspired by love and not greed else we will be bowing to mammon in the Lord’s name, consequently bringing ourselves into financial bondage.
Go into today knowing that our Lord has provided all that is needed for your livelihood and also given to us what is needed for the harvest of righteousness. We are already in the Lord’s pool of abundance, and his grace relieves us from the pressure of performance.
Prayer: LORD, teach my heart. Help me discern between what should be eaten and what should be sown for a harvest of righteousness.
—Titus Ojima Achema
Bible In One Year: Esther 6-10 (In Devotional Audio)
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