The farmer works so that he may reap a bounty when harvest time comes. He puts the work in early and continues all the way through the harvest. To reap a bounty, he must sow accordingly. He can’t expect to harvest if he hasn’t planted. The same goes with our lives. The principle of sowing and reaping applies to every area. If you want God to produce a mighty harvest, then you need to be sowing seed that will guarantee it.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
Check Your Heart
The Corinthians were notoriously selfish. They had financial means but didn’t like to share. In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul gets on them for their selfishness, During the communion feasts (something like a potluck) some were being gluttons and others were going home hungry. He is reinforcing this lesson here by telling them they aren’t going to be blessed financially by God if they are only giving a little bit. To reap a bounty, we must be willing to give.
Reap a Bounty
Reaping a bounty starts with the heart. If we are reluctant to give or we give out of obligation, we will miss out altogether. God wants us to sow out of a cheerful heart. I am not sure if you have heard this before, but the word cheerful in this passage is the word hilarious, which means to laugh uncontrollably. God wants us to get joy from giving. A giving heart is one that looks for opportunities to bless others with what God has given us. It’s not about the amount but the intention. That’s why Jesus said the widow with two mites gave more than everybody else because she gave with the right heart. If you struggle to give ask God to change your heart.