2 Corinthians 9.6–11

⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. ⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

"They have scattered abroad their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever."

¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

I once saw a preacher on TV. He was trying to raise $300,000, and claimed that God wanted him to rise up 300 millionaires. To become one of those millionaires, all you had to do was give the preacher man $1000, and God would make you into a millionaire. If you didn’t have it cash, that was okay, you could show your “faith” in God by putting it on your credit card.

Guys like this are the reason that most ministers are reluctant to talk about money and giving. Too many dishonest men have distorted the reality of giving. Paul says 3 things here: Give what your heart tells you to give (no “set” amount, just do it cheerfully); God will provide for you; you will be a part of God’s work (and in that way, you are rich in every way).

What is your heart telling you to give?