“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.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 ESV)
Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book called, The Five Love Languages. In it he outlines five basic languages that each person could have. It is the ways we feel loved and how we show love. They include quality time, physical touch, gift giving, words of affirmation and acts of service. I read it years ago and watched how my oldest clearly had the “gift giving” love language. The best way to show her that you care about her is to give her something. And on the reverse of that, whenever she hears of someone she cares about having a need or having a special event in their life, her first thought is always to plan a gift for them. She is an example of the cheerful giver that Paul is describing.
“For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all the others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.” (2 Corinthians 9:12-14 ESV)
Being generous to others is not only a gift to them, it is very rewarding to us. It is one way that we can show God’s love to others and also helps us be humble in sacrificing for the good of others.
“Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV)
~Kellie
Sixty-six books in a year 