You Can’t Out-give God

God says that if we plant sparingly, we will reap sparingly, and if we plant generously, we will reap generously. We should view all that we have—treasure, gifts, abilities, and family—as being things that are God’s and on loan to us, His stewards, to use for His glory. When we plant cheerfully, God sees our sincere hearts that believe His plans are good for all our tomorrows and that honor Him when those plans are fulfilled day by day.

Therefore, we should be willing to give back to God all that He has given us, because it is His to begin with. I empathize with pastors who must talk about the financial support of God’s church. But we all need to remember that money and other gifts are necessary to expand the Kingdom of God, to reap that generous crop. It’s a privilege that should encourage us and give us a sense of boldness because in the end, it is all about God.

If we are about the work of God, God will provide the resources for that work. If we are proclaiming the Word of God with our thoughts, words, and actions, God has the resources to help us do that. When we connect God’s mission to change the world with the heart of a cheerful giver who trusts God and understands everything is His, we have the potential for an exponential advancement of His Kingdom.

His Promises

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. 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.”

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

Give freely and become more wealthy;

be stingy and lose everything.

The generous will prosper;

those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.