INTRODCTION

Brothers and sisters beloved in the Lord,

In this life, there are two things we cannot separate: giving and receiving. Our lives constantly move between these two. We receive love, then we give love. We receive help, then we give help. Just like rights and responsibilities, they go hand in hand. No one should only want to receive without giving, or only give without ever being willing to receive.

In the same way, in the life of faith, God first gave us life, salvation, and His blessings. As His redeemed people, we are also called to give back to God and to others as an expression of gratitude.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes that giving is not a burden, but a joy. Giving is not a loss, but an overflowing blessing.

MESSAGE

1. Sowing and reaping (Verse 6)

“The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously.” Paul uses an agricultural metaphor. The Corinthians lived in an agrarian culture, so they understood well the principle of sowing and reaping. If you sow just one handful of corn, you should not expect a harvest of a hundred sacks. Likewise in our villages today, those who are diligent in planting sweet potatoes, corn, taro, or vegetables will be the ones who reap abundantly.

This means that giving generously will bring abundant blessings. Not only abundant in wealth, but abundant in joy, peace, and spiritual blessings.

2. Giving Cheerfully, not under compulsion (Verse 7)

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving is a matter of the heart, not of the amount. God does not look at the size of our offering, but at the sincerity of the heart behind it. Therefore, giving should never be done reluctantly, much less with complaints.

Some people give offerings or help others but later keep a record of it, or even remind others by saying, “I already helped you before.” That is not cheerful giving; that is showing our ego.

Giving can take the form of money or goods, but also energy, thoughts, and time. For instance, helping a relative who is studying, assisting a friend in preparing for an employment exam, or helping in daily work. All of these are valuable forms of giving in God’s eyes.

3. Christianity is identical of giving (8 - 10)

Paul says that God is able to bless us abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that we need, we will abound in every good work.

Mahatma Gandhi once said that he greatly admired Jesus, but he was disappointed with Christians who did not live like Jesus. According to Gandhi, Christians should be identified with giving, because Jesus Himself gave His life for the world.
This means that true Christianity is inseparable from service. If we have been saved by God’s grace, then our lives must also become channels of that grace.

4. Giving brings blessings, not lack (Verse 11 - 13)

Paul affirms that those who give cheerfully will be “enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.”

In difficult economic conditions, governments may implement budget cuts or even reduce social assistance to the people. But God’s blessings never decrease. There is no “budget efficiency” in God’s grace. In fact, when we dare to give in the midst of scarcity, we are demonstrating faith that God is the source of all blessings.

5. Giving The Poor

Paul says that this service of giving to the poor not only supplies the needs of the Lord’s people but also overflows in many expressions of thanks to God.

In times of difficulty, our care for the poor becomes a tangible form of worship. When we share rice, vegetables, fish, or even just our energy to help others, we are manifesting God’s love in the world.

6. The Example of Jesus Christ (Verse 15)

Paul concludes with the words: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” That gift is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus gave His whole self—His Body and Blood—for our salvation.

This is our model: giving not because of abundance, but because of love. Just as Christ gave Himself, we are called to be present for others.

CONCLUSION

Brothers and sisters, there is a simple philosophy: a well will always give water, but it will dry up if no one ever draws from it. So it is with our lives. The more we give, the more God pours out His blessings. But if we close ourselves and refuse to share, we will lose joy.

Therefore, let us be of one heart in building an altar of thanksgiving to God. Let us make our offerings—whether money, energy, thoughts, or acts of compassion—a true form of worship. Let us give cheerfully, so that our lives may become a blessing to many.

God bless us all! Amen.