2 Corinthians 9:6 - Meaning and Application

Here Paul gives practical directions for the right and acceptable way to give charity. It matters greatly that we do what is required, and do it in the way God commands. The Corinthians were to give generously, because a liberal gift, not a stingy one, was expected. Paul points them to a common truth from farming, a person who hopes for a good harvest does not hold back seed when planting, because the harvest is usually in proportion to what was sown (2 Corinthians 9:6).

They were also to give thoughtfully. “Each one should give as he has decided in his heart” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with purpose and care. Some people do good only by chance, or they give quickly because others press them, and then they regret it. Others, if they had thought more carefully about their own situation and the need of the person they were helping, might have given more. Careful thought about both our resources and the needs around us helps us decide how much to give.

Their giving was to be free and cheerful. Whatever we give, whether much or little, it should be “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Some people give only to get others to stop asking, and their gift feels forced. That kind of unwillingness spoils the act. We should be ready to give more freely than some needy people feel bold enough to ask. We should not only share bread, but also give ourselves to the hungry (Isaiah 58:10). Give with an open hand and a glad heart, thankful that you have both the means and the chance to help.

Paul then gives strong encouragement for this kind of giving. First, the giver will not be the loser. A gift to the poor, when given rightly, is not wasted. Paul compares it to seed thrown into the ground. For a time it is buried, but it grows and brings a harvest, and the sower receives it back with increase (2 Corinthians 9:6). Those who give freely in charity can expect a good return.

One reason is that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). If God’s love rests on such a person, how can that person truly be the loser? God’s favor is better than any other gain, better even than life itself. Another reason is that God is able to make our generosity turn to our benefit (2 Corinthians 9:8). We have no reason to doubt his goodness, and no reason to question his power. He can make grace, meaning his help and favor, overflow toward us, both spiritually and in practical needs. He can give us enough for ourselves, make up what we give away, and still enable us to give more.

Paul supports this with Scripture: “He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains forever” (Psalm 112:9). The honor of such giving lasts, and the reward is lasting too. At the same time, the giver can still live with comfort and keep giving generously to others.

Paul also prays that the Corinthians would gain, not lose, by their charity (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). He prays to God, who gives seed to the sower and bread for food. By his providence, God not only gives us enough for the present, but also enough to sow again for the future. In that sense, God gives us not only what we need for ourselves, but also what we can pass on to others.

Paul asks that God would provide bread for their food, give them enough for their own needs, multiply the seed they sowed, and increase the harvest of righteousness. He wants them to reap fully from their giving and be “enriched in every way for every generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11). In short, charity does not make us poor. It is one of the ways God truly enriches us.

At the same time, the poor saints would benefit directly, because this service would supply their needs (2 Corinthians 9:12). If we believe they are saints, members of the household of faith, and their needs are great, how eager we should be to help them. Our goodness cannot reach God himself, but we should freely extend it to these excellent people on earth and show that we delight in them.

This giving would also bring praise and glory to God. Many thanksgivings would rise to God because of it, from Paul and from those serving in this ministry (2 Corinthians 9:11). They would thank God for making them useful in such a good work and for giving success to it. The poor, whose needs were met, would also thank God and bless him for those who helped them. And all who cared about the gospel would glorify God when they saw this proof of obedience to Christ’s gospel and genuine love for all people (2 Corinthians 9:13).

True Christianity means yielding ourselves to the truth and commands of the gospel. We must show that our submission is real by acts of charity. That kind of life brings honor to our profession and glory to God. Those who were helped would also respond in the best way they could, by praying earnestly for those who had relieved them (2 Corinthians 9:14). When we cannot repay kindness in any other way, this is the proper return, and it often brings great good to the giver as well as the receiver.

Paul ends with praise: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Some understand this great gift to mean the grace given to the churches, by which they were made willing and able to care for the needs of the saints. That gift brought unspeakable benefit to both those who gave and those who received.

It seems more likely that he means Jesus Christ, who is truly God’s unspeakable gift to this world, a gift we all have every reason to be deeply thankful for.