Trusting the God Who Provides

Adapted from a sermon on 2 Corinthians 9:6–11

What does cheerful giving look like in a world gripped by fear, scarcity, and self-preservation?

In 2 Corinthians 9:6–11, the apostle Paul reminds the church in Corinth—and us—that Christian giving is not transactional but transformational. It is a response to grace, not a technique for gain. It begins with trusting the God who gives abundantly.

God’s Grace Fuels Generosity

Paul writes, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (v.6). This isn’t a call to give in order to get rich. It’s not a prosperity promise. Paul is addressing the posture of the heart. A stingy heart fails to understand the overflowing grace of God, while a generous heart reveals trust in God’s provision.

When we truly grasp the gospel—that though we were enemies of God, Christ died for us to make us His children—our hands begin to open. Giving becomes a joy, not a burden. It becomes worship.

God's Grace is Abundant

Paul continues, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times…” (v.8). That’s the kind of abundance we need. Not just material abundance, but an overflowing sufficiency grounded in God’s presence and provision. His grace isn’t just for salvation—it’s for all of life. Every need. Every season.

In other words, we don’t give out of fear of lack. We give because we trust that the God who gave His only Son will also give us everything we need (cf. Romans 8:32).

God's Grace Multiples for his Glory

When Paul speaks of God increasing the harvest of your righteousness (v.10), he’s not talking about financial return. He’s talking about gospel fruit. Generosity shaped by grace leads to deeper Christlikeness, greater blessing for others, and increased thanksgiving to God.

Christian giving isn’t a calculated investment in earthly comfort. It’s a surrender to eternal purpose. As Paul says, “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (v.11). Giving becomes an act of worship that magnifies the God who gives.

So What?

Our giving reflects our trust. Are we giving reluctantly, or cheerfully? Are we giving under compulsion, or out of confidence in God’s grace?

When we give, we’re not just filling a need—we’re participating in God’s kingdom work. And we can do so freely, joyfully, because our God is not stingy. His grace abounds.

May we be a people who give, not to get, but because we’ve already received far more than we could ever deserve. May our generosity be shaped by grace and aimed at glory. 

This blog post was adapted from a sermon using AI assistance