2 Corinthians 9:6

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6

In the context of chapter 9, Paul writes this verse to describe the impact of Christian giving, and he likens it to farming. Bringing it closer to home, we could say that our backyard garden bounty is directly proportional to the amount of seeds or seedlings that we plant. The Corinthians are planning to make a large gift to the Macedonians, and Paul has been boasting of their intentions and expects that the Corinthians are sowing bountifully.

The thought behind this verse has a broader application to our Christian walk. God wants to work in us and through us. If we desire to see His fruit in our lives, we must put in the effort, for if we slack off in our work, then only a small amount of fruit will be produced, but if we work hard, then much fruit will be borne out through our lives. As the saying goes, “you get out of it what you put into it.” God, grant us the desire to put the shoulder to the plow, and in so doing may we lead bountiful lives that produce much fruit in your kingdom.

Jeff Mericle