'GENEROSITY WINS'

and sowing. If a farmer plants only a small amount, he can never hope for a large harvest. But, while the farmer who plants many seeds doesn’t know exactly what the outcome will be, it may be 10, 50 or even 100 fold! Paul is reminding us of the strange paradox that the more we give, the more we receive. A world without faith cannot believe it, but it is true.

Another interesting note: In God’s economy, if you plant wheat you can expect wheat, bananas, oranges, pears, and all kinds of things to come up. God uses our faithful expressions of tangible grace and multiplies their effects and our ability to do more. ‘God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work… You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…’ 2 Cor 9:8, 11 There is a ‘bubbling over’ effect. An act of generosity is like shaking this carbonated world reminding it of its fizz and the fun of having your nose tickled!

Finally, our generosity is a window into God’s generous Spirit. After all, everything we have comes from God. As James puts it: Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Light. What we give is a sharing in God’s abundant self, and God’s abundant world. Generosity wins because it turns this world’s face to see the loving smile of God.

Let us all look for ways in which we can be generous with encouragement and praise, instilling confidence and acceptance, and calling out God’s gifts in people. Then, by our words and our actions, ‘…your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.’ 2 Cor 9:11

Seeking God's Kingdom,

Jonathan