The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (II Corinthians 9:6-8)
The Giving God created us in His image. He created us to give as He gives; fully, freely, lavishly, and joyfully. It blesses God to give, and it blesses us to give.
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35)
Cheerful:
- having a happy disposition; in good spirits
- pleasantly bright; gladdening
- hearty; ungrudging; enthusiastic
Do we give that way? Do we give to our husbands that way? Do we give to our children that way? Do we give to our brothers and sisters in Christ that way? Is this the “happy disposition” that surrounds our lives as we mingle with the precious souls around us?
Or would some describe us as a bit Scrooge-like in our overall demeanor?
A farmer doesn’t sow his seed reluctantly or under compulsion. He sows it generously, in anticipation of a bountiful harvest over the course of time. He sows it cheerfully, in hopes of a glorious result. He knows that result won’t be today. Or even tomorrow.
Seeds go under and “die” first. Nobody sees them under there. Nobody watches or cares as they die to their seedness. Nobody helps. Nobody says, “Why, thanks Seed! Because you die…I feast!”
In the soil of our homes, let us generously and cheerfully sow the seeds of…
- Our time
- Our touch
- Our listening ears
- Our labor
- Our love
- Our forgiveness
- Our patience
- Our resources
- Our ideas
- Our hope
- Our joy
- Our peace
When we run out of these things…
When we feel that nobody sees…
When we don’t hear any gratitude…
When we are tired and feel like giving up…
…as we Wemmicks are prone to do now and again, let’s run to the One Who can and WILL give every last one of those things in generous, overflowing abundance to His children. They are for the asking and the taking from the One Who sees all hidden seeds.
And as noble ambassadors of this King, (yes, tired-cranky-mother-on-a-Monday-morning…you are His noble ambassador, no matter what the seemings!) we receive them from His hand in order to turn around and give them to others.
To Him be the glory as He joyfully and patiently works right on through us!
About Wemmick Girl
Thank you for this beautiful reminder Natalie
I loved this post, Natalie. I’m printing a copy to post as a reminder!!