2 Corinthians 9:10–11

Paul asks the Corinthian church to give to the suffering believers in Jerusalem. The Corinthians themselves were not wealthy. They had their own financial pressures and uncertainties about the future. And the people they were being asked to help? They were strangers they had never met.

So they may have hesitated and thought, 'We want to help, but what about us? What if we do not have enough?'

That is when the Holy Spirit, through Paul, revealed one of God's principles. God does not leave generous people empty-handed. He fills them with even more so they can give more.

Paul explained God's principle with a farming metaphor. Think of the farmer who sows seed. When a farmer plants seed, he does not worry about starving. God gives the farmer both seed for planting and bread for eating. God multiples the seeds for sowing so that the farmer will have even more. Likewise, God supplies what you need to live and gives even more for you to generously share with others.

"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food"

God identifies Himself here with a specific title: the One who supplies both seed and bread. In ancient agriculture, a farmer needed two things: seed to plant for the future harvest, and bread to eat while waiting for that harvest. God is saying He provides both simultaneously. You do not have to choose between giving generously and having enough for yourself. God takes responsibility for supplying what you need to live and what you need to give.

"Supply and multiply" (χορηγήσει καὶ πληθυνεῖ / chorēgēsei kai plēthynei)

The Greek word chorēgeō originally referred to a wealthy patron who funded entire productions in ancient Greece. It means to supply lavishly. Plēthynō means to multiply and to increase exponentially. He multiplies what you have given many times over, creating an increasing supply. This is mentioned several times in the Bible. Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over."

"That you may be enriched in everything to all generosity" (πλουτιζόμενοι εἰς πᾶσαν ἁπλότητα / ploutizomenoi eis pasan haplotēta)

The Greek word ploutizō means to make rich, to enrich abundantly. Haplotēs means simplicity, sincerity, and generosity without ulterior motives. God makes you prosperous in every area of life so that you can can generously give with a pure heart.

I declare that the words of 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 are true in my life.

• God supplies me with both seed and bread.
• God multiplies what I sow.
• God enriches me in every way so I can give generously.
• God is glorified through my generous giving to others.
• The more I give, the more He provides and blesses.

God,

Thank You for calling me to be a sower.

I have at times hesitated to give because I fear I will not have enough for myself. Today, You are inviting me to have faith and to give.

I believe in Your promise. You supply both seed and bread. You provide the seed for fruits in the future and provide the bread to fill my present needs. When I give generously, You do not leave me lacking. You fill me more abundantly so I can give more.

Help me to truly experience this principle. When I see someone in need, when an opportunity to bless someone arises, when my church needs support, give me faith to contribute and give generously.

Enrich me in everything so I can also give generously. When I have doubts about this principle, remind me of Your faithfulness toward generous givers.

Let my giving produce thanksgiving to God. When I give, let those, who receive, experience more of You and give thanks.

In Jesus' name, Amen.