Gratitude Applied

2 Corinthians 9:6–15 “6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 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. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 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. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,

What goes around, comes around

You get what you give

Actions have consequences

You get what you ask for 

“If you don’t like what you are reaping, you better change what you have been sowing.” – Jim Rohn

“Before the reward, there must be labor. You plant before you harvest. You sow in tears before you reap joy.” – Ralph Ransom

“You reap what you sow: Life is like a boomerang. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later, with astounding accuracy.” – Grant M. Bright

“Whatever it is you want, plant it, sow it, give it, and it shall be given unto you.” – Adrian Rogers

“The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow.” – James Allen

“You’re frustrated because you keep waiting for the blooming of flowers of which you have yet to sow the seeds.” – Steve Maraboli

“You reap what you sow. You get what you earn. You are what you eat. If you give love, you get love. Revenge returns itself upon the avenger.” - Mary Browne

Paul uses an agricultural analogy, similar to Jesus’ “Golden Rule”

Luke 6:31 “31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

The Field

vv. 6-7

Your harvest = your sowing

Not transactional, but an agricultural principle

farmer’s seed bag: if you keep all the seed, you harvest nothing

seed (sow) and bread (eat); future and present

cheerful giving: neither grudgingly or obligation

The Source

vv. 8-11a

God provides the seed

“all grace” “all sufficiency” “in all things” “at all times”

“seed to sower”

“bread for food”

supply and multiply seed for further sowing and reaping

“enriched in every way to be generous in every way”

Everything comes from God

The Fruit

vv. 11b-15

produces gratitude

which produces more giving, which produces more gratitude, which…

meets needs (giver and recipient) and increases thanks to God

Choose your Harvest

Decision time:

“…Each one must give as he has decided in his heart…”

First time

Occasional

Regular

Faithful

Abundant

Curve ball: Giving is not just about money

time, talent

God has given you time and talent (seed); sow them

intangibles

God has extended to each kindness, mercy, hope, forgiveness; sow these

Conclusion

giving is the natural response to gratitude

take the next step

There’s no Thanks without Giving