This Ministry of Giving

“So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:12 NLT

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35b NLT

There are several famous saying that people attribute as coming from the Bible. ‘God helps those who help themselves,’ sorry, but not in the Bible. “Money is the root of all evil,’ not in there either. ‘Cleanliness is next to godliness,’ nope, and not even, ‘Heaven gained another angel.’ But one well-known saying is in the Bible, and it was spoken by Jesus Himself, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ We can count on this one as being true and important enough to be applied in our lives since Jesus said it.

The apostle Paul had a few things to say to the church at Corinth about giving. He started with the farmer analogy by saying, “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.” (2Cor.9:6 nlt) Paul is not preaching a prosperity gospel, but for each of us decide what we can afford to give and to give generously and with a cheerful heart. He then assures us that God will supply all we need, and we will have enough left over to give again to others who are in need.

Giving is a ministry every Christian can participate in whether we have much or little. And it doesn’t always need to be money that we give. Paul quoted Psalm 112:9, “As the Scriptures say, ‘they share freely and give generously to the poor.’” (2Cor.9:9a nlt) If we give what we can to help others in need we will be blessed. “Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.” (2Cor.9:11a nlt) Yes, it is as Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35b nlt)

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 NLT – Remember this—a farmer who plants – Bible Gateway