Biblical Giving

This passage from Paul was written to encourage the Corinthian believers to follow through on their promise to help the church in Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:10-11; 9:5). Paul's message is simple: (1) You reap what you sow, and (2) Giving starts in the heart. So he wanted them to follow through, being: (1) Generous with God's provisions - that why God had first given to them, and (2) Faithful to their promises - neither changing their minds nor giving out of painful necessity. God gives believers all of the "seed" that we will need to sow. If we are faithful "farmers" who sow His seed, He will: (1) greatly increase our spiritual harvest; (2) cause many recipients to overflow with thanksgiving; and (3) unite believers through prayer due to the grace of God - resulting in God being glorified and believers being prayed for, having deep affection for one another.