Note 1 at 2 Cor. 9:6: Comparing giving to sowing seed is done in other scriptures also (Prov. 11:24; Lk. 19:20-21; v. 10; Gal. 6:7-8). There is an unchangeable law of God that whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7). Just as that works with organic seed, it also works with finances. Our giving will come back to us in the same way and with the same measure that we give (Lk. 6:38).

Many people are desiring large amounts of money from the Lord, but they haven't given Him any seed with which to produce this harvest. This will not work any more than a farmer expecting a crop where he has sown no seed. We can not use all our finances on ourselves any more than we can eat all our seed. We must sow some of our seed if we want to keep eating.

Note 2 at 2 Cor. 9:6: The Greek word "pheidomenos" was translated "sparingly" twice in this verse. It means to be stingy. These are the only times this Greek word is used in scripture. The New American Heritage Dictionary defines "stingy" as: "giving or spending reluctantly; 2. scanty or meager." Those who are reluctant to give to God will find God reluctant to give to them.

The Lord does not evaluate our gifts by their monetary size. This can be seen by His teaching about the widow's small gift (see note 1 at Lk. 21:3, p. 452). The Lord judges our gifts by what percentage we are giving and the attitude with which it is given. A million dollar gift from a millionaire could be a stingy gift while a $1 gift from someone else could be a generous gift. The Lord knows our wallet and our heart and multiplies our gifts back to us according to the way we give.

Note 3 at 2 Cor. 9:6: There are four things that take place as believers give: (1) the sincerity and proof of love is demonstrated (2 Cor. 8:8, 24); (2) we receive a blessing (Acts 20:35); (3) others' needs are met (2 Cor. 8:14; 9:12); (4) giving results in thanksgiving and praise unto God (2 Cor. 9:12).

Note 4 at 2 Cor. 9:6: Giving unto the Lord (which involves giving to others-Mt. 25:40; Heb. 6:10) is a spiritual seed (see note 1 at this verse, above) that should not be looked at as throwing something away. It is a spiritual investment that produces in this life as well as the life to come (Mk. 10:30). We will reap if we do not faint (Gal. 6:9).

Several scriptures speak of the harvest that giving brings. Here are just a few. Jesus said to a rich young ruler, ". . .give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. . ." (Mt. 19:21). "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again" (Prov. 19:17). "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself" (Prov. 11:24-25).