2 Corinthians 9:10-11 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
The image of “seed” here is used in two ways. There is a literal sense about the sower planting seeds in the field. These seeds grow, produce a harvest, from which bread is made. There is a figurative sense in that this seed represents the offering the Corinthians should collect. What they give will be multiplied with what is given by others and will produce great and needed results for the believers in Jerusalem. There is also a spiritual sense in that this seed of obedience to the call to give will bring change in the hearts of the Corinthians and will result in a harvest of righteousness within them. They will grow closer to God by this act of faith. They will be learning to trust God more with their lives and possessions. This will have deep and broad results in their growth in righteousness.
There will be blessings in multiple ways because of their obedience. They may think they are sacrificing their wealth for this project, but they will actually be enriched in every way. Generosity pays big dividends. This is not advocating a “health, wealth, and prosperity gospel.” This is stating a simple spiritual truth. “Every way” in this verse begins with the spiritual blessings of a righteous heart. Acting in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit’s conviction will always produce spiritual growth into Christlikeness. The opposite is also true. Rejecting this leading and conviction will put up a wall and draw us away from God’s path of righteousness for us. There may be material blessings, but these are not guaranteed nor are they necessary because we trust that God will supply all of our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
The Corinthians’ obedience in this matter will produce another harvest. The result will be that Paul, his companions, and the whole church will be thankful to God for bringing about this great act of grace. Our giving does not only impact the giver or the given but all those who look at and participate in a larger level.
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