Bits & Pieces: Giving (3)

"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully," (II Corinthians 9:6).

* Within his appeal to the Corinthian Christians for generous financial support, the apostle Paul gives this principle of sowing and reaping. It is echoed in Galatians 6:7, again relating to sharing material goods generously. The key to this rule of reciprocity is our intent--- we must give with love as our motive, not greed.

* This principle of reciprocity, of reaping what we sow, must not be abused. Every such promise in God's Word assumes purity of motive. We dare not mock God by giving generously with the greedy intent to reap bountifully.
He is not mocked.
May we always give only from gratitude for God's generosity to us.