KEEP GIVING…

2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Monday, 16 February 2026

"…….for God loves a cheerful giver.”-2 Corinthians 9:7

‘Giving” is at the heart of today’s reading. Paul encourages “giving” in the Corinthian believers in sending help to their brethren who were in great need in a different part of the world. In appealing for their generous giving, he shows his confidence in them- that the believers in Corinth were competent enough to do so. 

In the aspect of Giving, God’s Word highlights the following:

• Sowing & Reaping (v.6): Paul uses the principle of sowing and reaping, saying that reaping a reward will be proportionate to one’s giving! Jesus spoke this principle in Luke 6:38: ”Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Generous giving opens a way for great blessing.

A man of God has said: Unless you open your hands, how can you receive? Start giving to learn this principle in your life!

• Willful Offering (v.7): Paul dissuades them from giving grudgingly- “not reluctantly or under compulsion” but encourages cheerful giving. As he says, its important to give whatever you have decided in your heart. For the building of the Tabernacle, the people brought freewill offering to the Lord (Ex.35:29). The freewill offering in the OT was “in proportion to the blessings the LORD your God has given you.” (Deut.16:10). 

Brothers and sisters, how important it is to give with the right attitude- not because you have been asked to, but you genuinely want to do so to help another in need. 

• God the Supplier (vs.8,10): It’s good to recognize that God supplies the seed for sowing! He also provides bread for our food! If we are looking to Him for our sustenance, will He not replenish us when we willingly give to others in need? He will give us plenty so we can continue to give generously!

• Thanks-in-Giving (vs.11,12-13): Our Giving will result in thanksgiving! Those who receive our gifts will thank God. V.12 says: This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. God’s people in Judea who are blessed will give glory to God for the obedience of their Gentile brethren to their confession of the Gospel. It proves the acceptance of both Jew and Gentile in Christ Jesus—one caring for the need of the other! 

Think of someone in need who is blessed because of your generous giving!

• God the Greatest Giver (v.15): In summing up, Paul brings to our attention the Greatest Giver of all- God who gave His only Son to save you and me- that is a gift indescribable, because it surpasses all other gifts! Think of the best gift you could give—and then think of the gift of salvation God has bestowed on you through giving His Son to take your punishment for sin so you would enjoy life forever in Him! That gift is indescribable, isn’t it?

What can you ever give in exchange for God’s free gift to you? –Only giving your life in willing surrender to live pleasing to Him!

Paul mentions how the believers in Macedonia had given themselves first to the Lord and to godly authority before giving their gifts, which made their giving worthwhile. (Ref.2Cor.8:5)

Whoever is listening/reading this message today- if you haven’t received God’s gift in Christ, the invitation is open to you. John 3:16 NLT says: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” When you receive this gift, your life and giving will become even more meaningful. 

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2Cor.9:15) 

Listen: 'Two hands, one heart'