Joshua Boyd
We have covered the foundation of Biblical Finances in our discussion of tithing. Until that foundation is laid, the next level of giving can’t start – the next level of offerings. Since tithing represents the first step, giving back to God what belongs to Him, offerings even more show our heart because they are voluntary. When Jesus spoke of the widow giving all she had, He was speaking of her offerings.
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
How many of you have planted seeds in a planter or the ground? Most of us who have done so planted a few seeds. We weren’t trying to supply our family or others with our crop. Yet even in the small amount, we got increase. One seed doesn’t produce once seed. One seed increases into not just more seed but usable product to eat. God is the one who designed the process. He declared after the flood that as long as the earth remains, seed sowing and harvesting will remain too.
Our responsibility isn’t to understand the increase, it is to keep seed in the ground. Generous seed, generous crop. Fortunately, seasons in the Kingdom can be year-round. It is always planting season. Harvest season comes as a direct result of the planting. No planting, no harvest time.
