What other scriptures support the concept of generosity found in 2 Corinthians 9:6? Sowing and Reaping: The Core Idea “Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) Old Testament Foundations of Generosity • Proverbs 11:24-25 – “One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” • Proverbs 19:17 – “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” • Proverbs 22:9 – “A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” • Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” • Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.” Jesus on Overflowing Giving • Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” • Luke 12:33-34 – “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Early Church Practice • Acts 20:35 – “In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Paul’s Continued Teaching • Galatians 6:7-9 – “Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. … Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” • Philippians 4:17-19 – “Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. … And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Instruct those who are rich in this present age … to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” A Life that Pleases God • Hebrews 13:16 – “And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” |
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