2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

(v6, NIV)

To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

(Newton's third law simplified)

Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of energy in equals energy out. Regardless, what you put in is what you get. I am very lazy, and with that mentality, lazy people often think they can get the same or even more out of something by putting less into it. Somehow by doing less work they can still get the same results or even better results. Verse six is not exactly the same thing, but its close.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

(v7, NIV)

Again there is this idea that you should not give because of obligation. The willingness that is decided in your heart is what is required. "for God loves a cheerful giver." (v7, NIV).

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

(v8, NIV)

I guess this is the verse the song God is Able is based upon. The "way things work out" and is not governed by simply the way things work. God is the Lord and creator of this universe. It's not simply how it works but God who makes it work.

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven

(Hebrews 1:1-3, NIV)

The entire universe created by God is sustained by Jesus. The spinning and swirling planets and stars are all kept going and in motion because of Jesus. God is able, and he is the one who ensures that what you put in is what you get out. In addition, he is able to sustain you. God gives you everything that you need to abound in every good work. So for those who are reluctant to give because of what little they have, they should know that God will provide for them.

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. 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.

(v10-11, NIV)

Not only will God provide what you need, but the supply of your necessities will increase. Now some may teach that God will make you rich with money. I believe God can do that and that he does do that sometimes. However, this isn't the "one size fits all" rule. To teach this prosperity gospel is an injustice to God and his Word. God will increase your store of seed, but he doesn't always increase your supply of money. Regardless, your supply will be replenished by God allowing you to continue to give generously.

This becomes hard to read and interpret. It can easily be read as the prosperity gospel and I am afraid of possibly misleading others. Clearly, those living in poverty, who are faithful followers of Jesus do not all of a sudden become rich because of their faith. That can and does happen, but it doesn't happen for everyone. The fact remains that their generous giving will continue to be resupplied and increase. The truth and heart of these verses are not whether you will become rich with money or not. The message and result of reading this is to give generously with a joyful heart and not worry about running out of what you are giving.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

(v12-15, NIV)

Giving doesn't only result in their supply of the physical things you give them. Your act of giving results in their expressions of thanks to God. People are often wondering what is the best deal to get the most "bang for their buck". Here it is. Give generously and the recipients will receive the things you are giving them and their thanksgiving to God will increase.

This giving is a result of God's surpassing grace upon you. God is the one who allows you to give generously. All we have is God's, so we should treat it as God's.