6 November | EVERYONE
"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9: 6,7
Did you know that the total cost of production expenses for one hectare of soybeans is approximately $730 while the gross profit reaches $1,100? But imagine that a farmer, in his eagerness to increase his profit, decides to spend only $100 on production, would that be coherent? Of course not! Because, as we read in today's text, it is a law of life that the more you sow, the more you reap.
The same thing happens in the spiritual world. Our harvest in the different aspects of life is proportional to the generosity in the giving of our feelings, dedication, and time to God and our neighbors. That is why Jesus said one day, "Give, and it will be given to you" (Luke 6:38).
The danger we run is that of reading God's promise and believing that blessings are the result of a financial contract with God: He gives to us to the extent that we are generous. But for the Christian, generosity is not something that is done, but something that we are. Donating is a lifestyle, a way of being, an aspect of your character. Only then does Paul's advice become a reality: “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity."
We live in a selfish world where everyone thinks of themselves and no one else. Our culture is mercantilist and consumerist, but in the midst of this turmoil we must not forget that "there is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty" (Proverbs 11:24).
Take Action
When you are born of the Spirit, your values are no longer carnal. You do not cling to material things. The way you manage assets takes into account collective needs, not just your own. Do you want to be born of the Spirit? Sing "God Loves a Cheerful Giver" (if possible, with your family).